Ever since the Pittsburgh Steelers chose to draft quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, there has been a ton of debate about his potential. Some people believe Howard is truly no more than a career backup, while others think even that is a stretch. Meanwhile, some have faith he could become a reliable starter at some point in his career. There is a path for Howard to get a chance, but it all depends on what General Manager Omar Khan and new Head Coach Mike McCarthy decide at quarterback.
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Steelers QB Will Howard during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
It seems like all signs are pointing to Aaron Rodgers returning to play for the Steelers in 2026. Rodgers came to Pittsburgh for the 2025 season and did a solid job leading the team to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title, though it ended with another playoff disappointment, continuing the playoff drought for the Steelers.
The Steelers' quarterback room currently has Mason Rudolph, Howard, and are awaiting Rodgers’ decision. Former Steelers great quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went on his podcast Footbahlin on Tuesday night to share his thoughts on the 2026 offseason. Roethlisberger also offered a stern defense of Howard, claiming that members of the media have been unfairly bashing him.
"And you are giving Will Howard a chance," Roethlisberger said. "I know there are some people out there on the radio and stuff that are just totally against him. I don't get it. How can you be against somebody you have never seen play at this level? Like you just can't. It's just who they are I guess."
Roethlisberger made it clear that he doesn’t think Pittsburgh should spend any draft capital on a quarterback in the first or second round. He believes Rodgers will return to lead the team in the 2026 season, with Howard serving as his backup, which is exactly what the Steelers would prefer. This would leave Rudolph as QB3, a big demotion for him, but it speaks volumes about how highly McCarthy and the Steelers coaches truly view Howard, even though McCarthy didn’t personally draft him.
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Steelers quarterback Will Howard greets fans at Steelers Training Camp in Latrobe, PA in 2025.
The debate surrounding Howard is only going to continue to grow. Rodgers came in determined to be a good mentor to Howard, and he did just that. It is rare for a sixth-round quarterback to generate the amount of hype Howard has, but it speaks to his mental makeup that many believe he is a player you don’t want to bet against.
It won’t be easy for Howard, but another year of learning from the four-time MVP Rodgers would be invaluable for him.
Steelers Could Hear From Aaron Rodgers Quickly
Khan spoke at the NFL Scouting Combine and made it abundantly clear that he doesn’t anticipate Rodgers taking as long this time. The drawn-out saga during the 2025 offseason was frustrating, but now Khan believes it will be a quick decision, and McCarthy seems eager to welcome Rodgers back.
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Steelers QBs Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard talk to a ref before a home game in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers expect Rodgers to make his intentions known very soon, which should bring much more clarity to the quarterback position. It is reassuring to hear Roethlisberger defend Howard so strongly, showing that the young quarterback has support from one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Howard’s development will be one of the most closely watched storylines for the Steelers in 2026. If Rodgers does return, Howard will have the rare opportunity to learn from a future Hall of Famer for another season while quietly preparing for his own chance to start.
The Steelers’ front office and coaching staff clearly see potential in him, and with Roethlisberger publicly defending him, Howard enters the offseason with both confidence and a vote of trust. How he handles this mentorship could shape the team’s quarterback future for years to come.
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