One Steelers QB Is Standing Out So Far: "He's More Comfortable"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting quarterback situation, and that has been the case for the last several seasons. Aaron Rodgers is returning as the team's starter for the 2026 season, but plenty of fans are more worried about the future at the position. It is near impossible to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender without a franchise quarterback, and the fan base in Pittsburgh has been without one of those since before the 2021 season. Optimistic fans hope that either Will Howard or Drew Allar could turn into that player that the franchise has been needing, while others are already looking at future draft classes.

Before Rodgers re-signed with the Steelers, there was a ton excitement surrounding Howard. The coaching staff said nothing but good things about him, and some believed there was a chance he might begin the season as the starter if Rodgers did not decide to return to the organization. The four-time league MVP is back however, which means another season of development for Howard, and the same could be said for Allar. The two have been taking snaps behind Rodgers to start Organized Team Activities (OTAs), and beat writer Gerry Dulac went on 102.5 WDVE on Tuesday morning to share what he has seen.

"You can see that Will Howard, having had a year in the NFL, I know it’s a different system, but there are some things that are the same," Dulac said. "I think just having been here a year and working with all the guys, he’s more comfortable. More sure of himself. No knock on Drew Allar, it’s just where he is. There’s no question, you look at Will Howard, see the way he is performing out there, you can see a comfort factor. He’s smoother, he’s working faster."

Dulac attributes Howard's comfortability to the fact that he has already been in the NFL for a season, but he is also going through a significant amount of change during the 2026 offseason. He has to learn a new offense, get used to an entirely new coaching staff, while also worrying about a potential competition down the line with Allar. Staying poised throughout all of that is impressive.

Dulac spoke about how the poise Howard possesses was known coming out of college, and it was on full display during his run to a National Championship at Ohio State. He has not been rattled by anything so far, and his comfortability sets him apart from any sort of "competition" that may or may not be taking place with Allar. Howard may have been drafted in the sixth round back in 2025, but it was always believed that his talent was better than that. He has the physical attributes to be a starter in the NFL, and it will be interesting to see what he can do on the field during the preseason games.

Steelers Quarterbacks Will Be Under A Microscope During The Preseason

Howard never got to play in the preseason ahead of his rookie year due to a fluke thumb injury, so fans have been patiently waiting to see him take the gridiron outside of practice. That will come in the preseason ahead of the 2026 season if he stays healthy, and his performance is going to be pitted against Allar's in all three contests. Rodgers likely won't play at all in any of the games, and Mason Rudolph should play sparingly as he has the most experience out of all of the backups. 

The battle between Howard and Allar won't matter much for the 2026 season, but it could matter as the organization prepares for 2027. Another rookie quarterback could even come into the mix after the 2027 NFL Draft.

What do you think about these comments on Howard? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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