The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a major bombshell at the quarterback position heading into the 2026 season, with Will Howard emerging as a surprisingly strong contender amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future.
The team rode with Rodgers as their starter last season, where the future Hall of Famer delivered solid performances despite earlier hints that it might be his final year in the NFL. Rodgers has since expressed interest in returning to Pittsburgh, and positive conversations continue between both sides. Steelers insider Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports optimism within the organization that the 42-year-old will re-sign, noting that the team’s offseason moves have been structured around the belief that Rodgers will return to chase another title in his limited window.
DeFabo wrote: “The Steelers continue to have positive conversations with Aaron Rodgers. There’s optimism within the organization that the future Hall of Fame QB will return. But until he signs, nothing is set in stone.”
However, no contract has been finalized, leaving the quarterback depth chart in limbo. Currently under contract are Mason Rudolph and sixth-round rookie Will Howard (selected in the 2025 NFL Draft from Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes to a national championship). DeFabo highlights that the team—and particularly new head coach Mike McCarthy—holds Howard in high regard. The young quarterback is expected to climb the depth chart ahead of Rudolph, with OTAs providing a key window to monitor rep distribution.
“The team is high on Howard, particularly new coach Mike McCarthy,” DeFabo added. “How the reps are divided in OTAs will be interesting to monitor. Eventually, Howard should step ahead of Rudolph on the depth chart, but how quickly will that happen?”
Howard’s rookie campaign was limited by a hand injury, preventing him from seeing any regular-season snaps. Yet he benefited immensely from being in the quarterback room with Rodgers, who took the young player under his wing and mentored him closely. Rodgers praised Howard’s personality, moxie, and potential for a long NFL career, calling him someone he wanted to “pour into” and ensure knew he was cared about.
If Rodgers ultimately decides against returning—despite the Steelers’ hope for a resolution soon, potentially this month—starting Will Howard in 2026 would represent a bold, youth-focused shift for Pittsburgh. The organization appears prepared for that contingency, with insiders noting belief in Howard as a viable Plan B and even long-term option. His development under Rodgers last season could accelerate his readiness, making him a legitimate dark horse to lead the team if the veteran walks away.
For now, the Steelers remain one of the few NFL teams without a locked-in QB1 or a clear alternative path via free agency or the draft. The coming weeks—and especially OTAs—will reveal just how quickly Howard could rise, turning this quarterback uncertainty into an exciting opportunity for the former Buckeye star.
