"Part Of The Ruse": Steelers May Be Using Will Howard As A Chess Piece To Get Legitimate Franchise Quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers may delay their search for a future franchise quarterback yet another year. Aaron Rodgers could certainly come back for the 2026 campaign, which would potentially prolong the organization's hunt that has been going on since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. Regardless, there has been a little bit of hype surrounding Will Howard, as the 2025 sixth-round selection is an intriguing option. He was drafted on day three for a reason, but still could turn into a very serviceable player at the most important position in all of sports.

No matter what Rodgers decides to do, the Steelers could also elect to take a signal-caller in the 2026 NFL Draft. That rookie could then sit behind Rodgers potentially and go on to take the reins. However, this would put Howard in a place where he would be looking at being a long-term backup, without ever getting a real opportunity to become a legitimate starter.

On Wednesday afternoon, NFL insider Mike Florio joined The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller for his weekly appearance and went into detail about what the Steelers may be thinking when it comes to the quarterback spot. 

When asked if Ty Simpson could be drafted to play in the Steel City, he noted that the very public acknowledgement from the organization in relation to Howard could simply be a trick so other organizations don't look at Pittsburgh as a threat to take the University of Alabama product.

"Well that would tell us that they're not as giddy on Will Howard as they're claiming to be, that's just part of the ruse," Florio said. "That's part of the game because maybe if they do get someone else, they're willing to move on from Will Howard. The draft itself is this game of chess and checkers and chicken all combined into one and you want to keep your true motivations concealed."

Florio does make a good point. NFL franchises are consistently trying to keep things in-house to keep their competitors guessing. A certain team may not trade up ahead of the Steelers if that specific front office has interest in Simpson. It's a fascinating game of chess, as Florio mentioned, and he continued to talk about what General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy could be planning.

"So, what better way to position yourself to get Ty Simpson than to make it look like Will Howard is your quarterback of the present and the future; and, you're waiting for Aaron Rodgers and pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. We have no interest in Ty Simpson."

It's very possible that the Steelers are already planting the idea in other teams' heads that Pittsburgh will not be in the market for Simpson. At some point, however, Khan and co. will have to show their cards via pre-draft meetings and visits.

The idea of Simpson has already given some fans a chance to compare the collegiate prospect to Kenny Pickett, who the Steelers selected in the first round back in 2022. It ended up going horribly for the team, and he was already on a new team by the 2024 offseason. Simpson is lauded for being an accurate passer, but if he was entering the NFL during a year when there were many more quarterback prospects, he could be viewed as a mid-round selection, or worse.

Steelers Are Better Off Focusing On Rodgers And Howard

One of the knocks on Howard is that he missed the entire preseason during his rookie campaign. Due to a hand injury, he saw no legitimate action against a different colored jersey. If Pittsburgh has Rodgers back on a one-year deal, Howard could soak up even more knowledge and also have the chance to prove himself during exhibition contests, if healthy. It makes sense for the team to attempt this, while focusing on the 2027 NFL Draft if Howard has poor preseason outings.

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