"Not Even The Smallest Interest": Steelers Absolutely Won't Be Derailed From Their Plan

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made it clear they're willing to wait on their starting quarterback from last year, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was an effective veteran signal-caller last season, leading Pittsburgh to an AFC North title and a playoff berth. However, the quarterback isn't getting any younger. Rodgers was brought in last offseason on a one-year deal, seemingly as a bridge quarterback. He played better than some expected, and brass liked what they saw from him. This year's draft and free agency class are considered weak at the quarterback position, so the Steelers decided it's best to stay put. 

Pittsburgh has decided to await Rodgers' decision on whether he wants to play football again or to join the Steelers. This leaves the Steelers with a veteran backup quarterback in Mason Rudolph and a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, Will Howard. Howard has proven to have the confidence of Steelers fans despite not even playing an NFL snap yet. Howard was injured just before the preseason with a finger injury. This stopped him from playing and displaying the potential talent that the Steelers could be working with. Howard remains an option if Rodgers decides not to come back. 

The Steelers were active this offseason in free agency; however, this didn't come at the quarterback position. Pittsburgh decided to pass on the top free agents at the position, making it seem as though they're comfortable in their group or that they have reason to believe Rodgers will come back; either way, their lack of interest in free agent quarterbacks caught the eye of Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo. 

Fittipaldo spoke on a recent episode of the North Shore Drive Podcast regarding the Steelers' inactivity at quarterback this offseason. 

"If he [Rodgers] doesn't come back, they are very open to developing Will Howard. They think there's a lot of potential there," Fittipaldo said. "Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, not even the smallest interest on the part of the Steelers to even investigate these guys, where they stand."

Pittsburgh has proven their confidence in their current quarterback situation even if Rodgers decides to hang them up. This is a huge deal, as mentioned before, Howard has never played an NFL snap, meaning they trust him and Rudolph to hold down the fort. Rudolph has started games for Pittsburgh before and would likely start ahead of Howard, but would pave the way for Howard to get some NFL reps. This would allow Steelers coaches and front office to properly evaluate their quarterback room for the future, as next year's draft is speculated to be deeper than this year's. 

Howard proved that he can play in big games. He won a CFP national championship at Ohio State and played at a high level throughout the CFP. The young gunslinger provides an intriguing option at quarterback; he has the opportunity to be a long-term fix at quarterback. The Steelers should take the chance on Howard if Rodgers is a no-go. There is little risk involved. If he's great, then Pittsburgh has its future quarterback; if not, a likely high draft pick wouldn't be so bad. 

 Either way, the preseason will be a great indicator of what the Steelers have in Howard and if they're willing to take a swing on him. Rodgers' decision still looms over the head of the front office, as this will affect how they draft and prepare this offseason.

The Steelers Have Set Up A Young QB For Success This Offseason

This offseason has been an active one for Pittsburgh. General Manager Omar Khan has made a ton of positive moves to address shortcomings from the 2025 season. The Steelers traded for receiver Michael Pittman Jr., which allows them to have two very skilled players at the position. This gives whoever quarterbacks Pittsburgh two big targets to get the ball to. Another important addition is running back Rico Dowdle. 

If the Steelers' run game is elite, this takes a ton of pressure off a young quarterback. These moves allow for a young quarterback to succeed, not to mention that a known quarterback developer is now the head coach, with the hiring of Mike McCarthy. 

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