The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback outlook for the 2026 season is now determined. Aaron Rodgers teased fans once again while carefully deciding whether he wanted to play one more season in the NFL. Rodgers will now reunite with former head coach Mike McCarthy in 2026, which will be the 62-year-old’s first season coaching in the Steel City. It will also be Rodgers’ second and final season playing for Pittsburgh, and he appears eager to leave the organization on a high note.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The quarterback room is drawing plenty of attention because the backup position behind Rodgers is suddenly becoming very interesting. Rodgers is 42 years old and will turn 43 during the 2026 season, making it pivotal for Pittsburgh to have a reliable option behind him. Many assume that veteran Mason Rudolph will handle that role, but others are beginning to wonder if Will Howard can seriously challenge for the backup spot as early as his second season.
The Steelers drafted Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but he is currently being reworked under McCarthy’s quarterback development program. He still appears to be a long way from seriously being considered for meaningful NFL action. Howard, meanwhile, continues to see his stock rise. McCarthy did not draft Howard, but he has reportedly been very impressed with what he has seen from the 2025 sixth-round pick, according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler.
"The more fascinating subplot here is what they do with the other quarterbacks," Fowler said. "Who’s going to be the No. 2? That’s what they’re working through right now. Will Howard probably has the inside track for that job at the moment. They’ve been impressed with him."
It's no secret that Pittsburgh is starting to become infatuated with what they are seeing out of Howard. Still, many are doubting that a sixth-round pick is going to end up becoming the future face of the franchise. Howard does possess a rare mental makeup, though. He has been through the wringer during his college career and consistently rose to the occasion in big moments.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard during his first year in the league getting ready to take a snap as he runs the offense while the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
That impressed Pittsburgh, especially with how he handled himself during the 2024 College Football Playoff. The NFL is obviously a much different world, but Howard definitely is not lacking confidence. Now, it will simply be about him continuing to learn under Rodgers for another season while also being prepared if and when he gets an opportunity.
Steelers Enter An Interesting Spot At QB
The Steelers are clearly entering an interesting transition period at quarterback. Rodgers is expected to provide stability and veteran leadership in what will be his final NFL season, but Pittsburgh also appears focused on quietly developing the next generation behind him. Howard may still have plenty to prove, but the organization’s growing confidence in him is becoming harder to ignore.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to unleash a pass as he runs through a drill as the team works out during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
If Howard continues progressing throughout training camp and preseason action, the conversation surrounding the Steelers’ long-term quarterback plans is only going to intensify. Pittsburgh fans are already searching for signs of who could eventually take over once Rodgers steps away, and Howard is starting to position himself as a player worth watching closely heading into 2026.
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