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Steelers get clear update on drafting a quarterback.

The Pittsburgh Steelers may not draft a quarterback at the 2026 NFL Draft after all.

Pittsburgh has a major question mark at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers has yet to re-sign, despite all signs pointing to him returning. Yet, even if Rodgers returns, it’s been reported that the Steelers will likely use a Day 2 or Day 3 pick on a quarterback.

However, ESPN NFL insider Matt Miller reported that the Steelers aren’t forced to draft a quarterback as some people think, as the team is high on Will Howard.

“The Steelers might not have a clear-cut quarterback of the future on the roster, but one internal source said that they won’t be forced to draft one this year,” Miller wrote. “That source noted Pittsburgh will play the board first and that Will Howard, last year’s sixth-round pick, has fans in the front office.”

If Rodgers returns, the Steelers quarterback room would feature the future Hall of Famer, Howard, and Mason Rudolph. That is why Pittsburgh doesn’t have to draft a quarterback, despite all the talk that they will.

The Steelers selected Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He helped the Ohio State Buckeyes win the national championship in his final college season. So he has some pedigree to develop into an NFL starter.

Who Could the Steelers Draft at QB?

If Pittsburgh does end up drafting a quarterback on Day 2 or Day 3, there are some options.

Steelers insider Brooke Pryor of ESPN named three potential targets: Carson Beck, Drew Allar, and Garrett Nussmeier.

“It seems unlikely the Steelers will use their first-round pick on a quarterback, but don’t rule out a selection on Day 2 or Day 3, even if Aaron Rodgers returns,” Pryor wrote. “New head coach Mike McCarthy and the scouting staff have been doing their homework on several prospects in the quarterback class, including Carson Beck (Miami), Drew Allar (Penn State) and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU). Both McCarthy and GM Omar Khan have been transparent about their signal-caller wish list: long arms, big hands and a knack for thriving in the cold weather.”

All three would need to sit and learn for a year or two, but could compete with Howard after another year or two for the starting quarterback job.

Latest on Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers has yet to sign, but Steelers insider Mike Kaboly expects him to sign shortly.

The Steelers were hopeful that Rodgers’ decision wouldn’t take as long, but Kaboly expects the quarterback to be at on-field practices before the NFL Draft.

“This is my new prediction,” Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan. “This isn’t any insider knowledge. They have their first on-field practice the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday before the draft. I think he will be there.”

If Rodgers is at the practice, it would be a major addition to the Steelers. It would also solidify the quarterback position for one more year. But if he does return to the Steelers, it likely would be for one final season.

Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions last season. He led the Steelers to an AFC North title.

Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton