Who Should I Start? Mason Rudolph or C.J. Stroud

Wednesday, March 19, 1:18 PM

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to weigh all their options at the quarterback position for the 2025 season, including rolling with Mason Rudolph as their starter under center after bringing him back to the organization this offseason. Rudolph was drafted by the Steelers in the third round in 2018 out of Oklahoma State, is familiar with the organization and has good chemistry with receiver George Pickens. However, the 29-year-old is essentially game manager at the position and wouldn't give the offense as much upside as Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer. The Steelers are willing to wait on a decision from Rodgers and have prioritized the 41-year-old over re-signing Russell Wilson. Even if Pittsburgh lands Rodgers, it's not out of the question that they take a rookie signal-caller like Alabama's Jalen Milroe in the upcoming draft.

Monday, April 21, 7:07 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said he'll be "taking full ownership, running the show" in new offensive coordinator Nick Calley's system and appreciates how Calley is already putting trust in him. Stroud didn't look at all like a rookie in 2023 under previous offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, but he came back down to Earth a bit in 2024 in his sophomore campaign and finished as the QB17 in fantasy while throwing for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 17 regular-season games. Protection was the biggest issue, as the former second overall pick took a whopping 52 sacks in 2024 after being sacked 38 times in 15 regular-season games as a rookie. Stroud could be more effective again with more control of the offense, particularly before the snap, leaving him as a fine midrange QB1 bounce-back target in fantasy.