The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a quarterback situation that has been up in the air for the last several years, and that remained the case after the 2025 season came to a close. Fans were unaware if Aaron Rodgers would be returning for Pittsburgh, and there is still no real idea of whether or not he will be coming back or retiring. Some members of the fan base in Pittsburgh don't even want to see Rodgers back under center, and they would rather see second-year quarterback Will Howard.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterbacks Mason Rudolph (2), Will Howard (18), and Aaron Rodgers (8) warmup prior to Pittsburgh's 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL regular season at Acrisure Stadium.
Howard and Mason Rudolph are the only quarterbacks Pittsburgh currently has under contract for the 2026 season. Rodgers would probably sign a one-year deal if he were to return. The organization wanted a decision from the veteran prior to the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, but that doesn't seem like it is going to happen. Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that Head Coach Mike McCarthy will be making Howard the starting quarterback going into minicamp.
The #Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on his future and there is no expectation of a final decision prior to the NFL Draft, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2026
When minicamp begins today under new coach Mike McCarthy, Will Howard will be QB1. pic.twitter.com/niphLVfT3w
This all but confirms that the organization would want Howard to be the primary backup to Rodgers, which means Rudolph's future on the roster is in question. He could remain on the team as the emergency third quarterback, but if a rookie is drafted at the position, his time in Pittsburgh might be done.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers' second-year QB Will Howard (18) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA in his rookie year out of Ohio State University.
The Steelers wanted to have a decision from Rodgers prior to the draft, but that seems unlikely at this point. He could still sign with the team after the draft, but this gives the team the chance to see a little bit of what it has in Howard. Pittsburgh began mandatory minicamp on Monday, and that goes through Wednesday. This is something the franchise gets to do since it hired a new head coach.
Coaches and players have come out and instilled confidence in Howard. Even Rodgers has spoken highly of him during his few public appearances. The expectations are high for someone that was a sixth-round pick, but the young quarterback has the right mindset to get out there and have a good amount of success.
Justin Berl / Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers QBs Aaron Rodgers (left) and Will Howard (right) talk to a referee before a home game in Pittsburgh, PA at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers Waiting On Aaron Rodgers Is Great For Will Howard
The Steelers do not truly need Rodgers there for a mandatory minicamp, especially since he played in McCarthy's offense for the majority of his career. He might not be publicly ready to sign, but it is fair to assume that he and the organization have a good idea of what is going to happen. That was the way things were during the 2025 offseason.
Rodgers' absence during mandatory minicamp could be a good thing for Pittsburgh. This gives Howard some reps as the starting quarterback, which is something that could become a reality at some point during the 2026 season. It also gives the young quarterback his first opportunity to truly lead the offense and the team as a whole. It will say a lot about who he is as a player and a person, and it will give the guys on the team a chance to believe in him just in case he does end up starting some meaningful games. Time will tell to see how this all unfolds.
What do you think about Howard being QB1? Do you still think Rodgers eventually signs? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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