Steelers' Will Howard Suddenly Named Possible Cut Candidate By Top Team Insider

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation could be one of the more underwhelming in the entire NFL, but it is going to generate plenty of headlines in the coming months. Aaron Rodgers is still on track to return to the team, but the organization continues to wait as the veteran takes his sweet time officially putting pen to paper. The two most talked-about players currently are Will Howard and Drew Allar, with both being young and having aspirations to one day be an unquestioned starter. Then, there's Mason Rudolph, who has spent the majority of his career with the franchise.

If Rodgers does decide to play one more season — and with the Steelers — fans will likely have to wait even longer to see if the future at the position is on the current roster. Pittsburgh would then theoretically be entering a signal-caller-heavy 2027 NFL Draft without seeing much action from either Howard or Allar. This has led to speculation that Rudolph will pretty much be tossed aside, and maybe even traded or cut.

There are a lot of different outcomes that are currently being discussed, but very few have ever entertained the idea of Rudolph sticking around if Rodgers is the starter. However, the Steelers have historically appreciated having a veteran in the room who is not under center on game days. If that holds true in the Mike McCarthy era, could the team keep four on the 53-man roster? It's unlikely, but never say never.

Despite this possibility, fans could begin to question if all the positive talk surrounding Howard has been a bit of a smokescreen. The organization took a signal-caller in the third round, which immediately should have painted a gloomy picture for Howard. In a fan chat hosted on Wednesday by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, the insider refused to rule out the possibility that the former sixth-round pick could be cut.

"I could see that happening, but I'm not laying money on it right now," Dulac wrote.

It has never been viewed as a legitimate possibility because of how high the Steelers have spoken about Allar. Now, however, the franchise's top insider has suggested that it's within the realm of possibility. It makes sense to not assume it will happen at the moment because of Rodgers' situation, but if a veteran backup like Rudolph is expected to stay, that would leave Howard and Allar. The 2026 third-round pick would likely win that final spot.

Howard hasn't been able to show anyone how he performs during meaningful NFL action. He missed the entire preseason of his rookie season and never ended up seeing the field. As far as evaluations go, he and Allar will be on the same playing field come the exhibition contests in August. This possibility is essentially null and void if Rodgers retires, but it's an intriguing scenario that hasn't really been considered.

Dulac didn't come out and say directly that he expects Howard to be looking for a new team in a few months, but he didn't have to. The fact that the beat writer believes it could happen speaks volumes. A coaching staff that has Rodgers, a respected backup in Rudolph and a rookie to develop in Howard might very simply make the decision to move on from the 2025 draftee.

Steelers Actually Might Be Better Off Without Rodgers

Pittsburgh could have a difficult time making the postseason if the 42-year-old is not under center; however, when looking at the long-term vision, it could be what is best for the organization. Having the ability to evaluate both Howard and Allar throughout a 17-game season could tell the franchise exactly what it needs to know. Keeping four signal-callers is very unlikely, and cutting Howard would enrage a fan base that has been looking forward to seeing him play.

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