The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very interesting 2025 offseason. When it started, many Steelers fans had hoped that Pittsburgh would seriously consider tossing in the season and focusing on the future. Instead, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin orchestrated an incredible offseason where they managed to improve the team for the win-now mindset, while also setting up the Steelers for the future with 12 expected draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin flashes a confident smile while overseeing a rigorous team workout at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA, as General Manager Omar Khan watches attentively nearby, both fully engaged in preparing the team for the challenges ahead.
With Aaron Rodgers now in town, many Steelers fans don’t expect to see much of him at all during the preseason. His arrival was seen as a clear signal that the team is serious about competing immediately, but also that Rodgers’ health and readiness are priorities over preseason snaps. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly stated on 93.7 The Fan on Monday that he believes Tomlin has already made the critical decision to not even play Rodgers a snap in the preseason.
This strategic move underscores the Steelers’ focus on preserving their star quarterback for the regular season, especially with so much riding on immediate success. Meanwhile, the depth chart battle behind Rodgers will be one to watch closely, as the team looks to build a strong supporting cast.
"Your entire offseason has been based around having Aaron Rodgers as your quarterback, and you’re trotting him out there against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 7th? You’re crazy, and I think Mike Tomlin has probably made that decision internally already," Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan on Monday.
It’s not a surprising assumption for Kaboly to believe that Tomlin already knows whether he plans to play Rodgers at all in the preseason. On one hand, Rodgers is 41 years old, and even taking the field for a single snap in the preseason carries risk. On the other hand, not giving him any reps or game action before the regular season also comes with its own set of risks.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (left) and rookie Will Howard (right) participate in individual drills during the team’s 2025 minicamp, offering a glimpse into Pittsburgh’s quarterback depth and development process as the veteran mentor and young prospect share reps under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff.
At the end of the day, it will come down to whatever Tomlin thinks is the most appropriate course of action. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Rodgers get a drive or two in the preseason, but Kaboly does not expect it. This situation sets up an interesting battle on the depth chart between rookie quarterback Will Howard, and veterans Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.
Steelers' Will Howard Has A Ton Of Pressure On Him Heading Into The Preseason
Perhaps no one faces more pressure heading into the preseason than Howard. The sixth-round pick has generated a lot of buzz despite being drafted on the third day. Howard is confident he was overlooked and hungry to prove he belongs in the NFL.
For the Steelers, Howard developing into a reliable backup would be a major win. While Rudolph remains Rodgers’ initial main backup, finding out what Howard can do will be critical. He won’t have much room for mistakes, and in the eyes of many, including Ben Roethlisberger, Howard needs to get off to a fast start.
Up & Adams Show
Steelers' Will Howard speaks with Kay Adams about his rookie season in the Steel City.
While Roethlisberger is actually a big fan of Howard and has a great deal of faith in his abilities, he also acknowledged the harsh reality Howard faces as a sixth-round pick. The Steelers are in a position to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, and that would likely be considered a luxury pick. If the team invests in a high draft pick, it will be difficult for Howard to get a legitimate shot beyond the 2025 preseason.
That’s why Howard is under the most pressure heading into the preseason. He needs to show he belongs and can handle the demands of the NFL right away. Whether Rodgers plays or not, he will undoubtedly be mentoring Howard throughout the preseason, giving the rookie a valuable opportunity to learn from one of the game ’s greatest quarterbacks.
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