Steelers’ Poor Organizational Missteps Are Costing Players More Than Wins

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an offseason that has been an emotional rollercoaster in 2025. The organization was able to improve the offense by acquiring star wide receiver DK Metcalf, but it then made a lateral move by trading away George Pickens. The franchise has also failed to figure out the quarterback situation with Organized Team Activities (OTAs) beginning on May 27th. Mason Rudolph is currently penciled in as the starting quarterback, while sixth-round rookie Will Howard is a player the organization is looking to develop.

Rudolph has already cemented himself as a reliable backup quarterback at the NFL level. He has had plenty of opportunities to make an impact, had an impressive run at the end of the 2023 season, but should not be relied upon to start 17 games - neither should Howard. This is why the organization has been waiting for over two months to see if Aaron Rodgers is going to sign in Pittsburgh, and fans still anxiously await a decision from the four-time league MVP.

All signs point to Rodgers eventually signing in Pittsburgh, but if he doesn't, the Steelers are in a really tough spot. ESPN analyst Booger McFarland spoke about the quarterback situation on NFL Live, and what it would mean if Pittsburgh is forced to start Rudolph or Howard in 2025.

"They are taking years off of the lives of guys who are potential Hall of Fame players," McFarland said. "Talking about Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick. If you go out there with Mason Rudolph Game 1, if I were Cam Heyward, I might not even show up. If you're not going to put forth the effort offensively, or organizationally, why do you want me out here? Like that's the level that the Pittsburgh Steelers have taken this to by the way they've handled this quarterback situation."

Cam Heyward is nearing the end of his great career, and he has not been part of a meaningful playoff run since the 2016 season, meanwhile, both TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick have never won a playoff game with the Steelers. It is a sad reality, but until the organization figures out the quarterback situation, it is hard to see how the Steelers will find any team success.

Watt is entering the final season of his contract, and he might be hesitant to sign a new extension with the way things have gone in recent years. It is impossible to have meaningful team success without a reliable franchise quarterback. Even if Rodgers signs, there is no guarantee that things will go well. If Watt signs a new deal, he is essentially betting on Pittsburgh being able to find a franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. If the organization can't, there is a good chance that he ends his career elsewhere.

Steelers Could Get Lucky With Will Howard

Not much is expected of Howard as he is a sixth-round pick, and there is no guarantee that he even sees the field. If Rodgers does not end up signing, there is a good chance that Howard will end up replacing Rudolph at some point during the 2025 season, and hopefully Pittsburgh can see some inspiring play from its rookie. 

McFarland spoke about how there is a chance Howard can have a good career, and his comments were not meant to diminish the rookie.

"No disrespect to those guys," McFarland said. "Will Howard may be a good quarterback someday down the road. He ain't winning nothing right now for the Pittsburgh Steelers."

While this is probably true, NFL fans did recently see the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Brock Purdy, lead his team to the NFC Championship Game during his rookie season. He then led them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023. If Howard can outplay his potential like Purdy did, all the issues in Pittsburgh could be resolved.

What do you think about McFarland's remarks? Let us know in the comments below!

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