Interesting Theory Paints Steelers' QB Depth Chart As Legitimate Trade Bait

The Pittsburgh Steelers actually got Aaron Rodgers to put pen to paper prior to June, which wasn't the case back in 2025. It is imperative for the veteran to work with the newer members of the offense, and maybe even more important for the team as a whole to have one of its captains around for all of the offseason workouts. A lot is going to be made out of the quarterback room leading up to training camp and the preseason, as it seems as if there are only two more spots available. The new coaching staff might very well have to choose between Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar.

The possibilities are endless. It is likely that the Steelers will keep all four throughout the preseason and if one happens to get injured — like Howard did in 2025 — there won't necessarily be any reason to part ways with one. However, if all remain healthy, Pittsburgh's brass is going to have an interesting decision to make, and it would appear as if Rudolph or Howard would hypothetically get the boot.

Tim Benz of Trib-Live dove into this topic in an article published on Tuesday morning. There could be several different reasons as to why Howard got the second-team reps during the first Organized Team Activities (OTAs) session on Monday. The first of many theories was simply surrounding Howard getting early reps because he missed so many in 2025.

"If that’s simply an effort to get Howard elevated work with some of the higher-leverage players after getting very little of that a year ago, so be it," Benz wrote.

The second potential reason for Howard's involvement on Monday was certainly an interesting one. The Steelers have rarely ever gone into a season without a veteran backup on the roster, so could Pittsburgh be propping Howard up to be trade bait?

"If that’s simply an effort to perhaps drive up Howard’s trade stock so he can command at least a minimal return instead of just stashing him on IR again or cutting him, that’s understandable," Benz noted.

This is a fascinating theory that is most likely untrue, but it's an interesting talking point. The Steelers have been publicly high on Howard for months, and it's fair to wonder if that has been a strategic excitement.

Another possibility is Pittsburgh's new collective of decision-makers giving Howard the go-ahead early on to simply save face because of how clear the brass has made it that the former sixth-rounder has what it takes.

"If that’s simply an effort to avoid making it look like an entire offseason of team-created hype surrounding Howard wasn’t just a load of baloney, then I’ll chuckle," Benz wrote. "But, OK. Whatever. Keep committing to the bit."

Switching gears, the fourth and final assumption from the writer had to do with Rudolph. It's not going to go well if and when the Steelers try to trade him if he is sitting as the third on the depth chart.

"Not to mention, if the Steelers are considering trading Rudolph because they want to make Howard the No. 2 behind Rodgers, telling the whole world that he is now a third-stringer isn’t the best strategy."

The whole takeaway from Benz's comments should be pretty simple. No one truly knows what the Steelers are thinking when it comes to the other two signal-callers that will inevitably make the roster. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has a long way to go before showing his actual cards.

Steelers Have Options In The Quarterback Room

Rodgers is going to be the starter and everyone knows that to be true. Other than that, anything could happen over the course of the summertime and into the preseason. Rudolph might get a legitimate chance to win the backup job, which would certainly put Howard in a tough position. However, if these second-team reps for the second-year player are intentional and he proves himself, Rudolph could certainly be shown the door.

#SteelerNation