The Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason keeps rolling along under new head coach Mike McCarthy in the Steel City. They have conducted Organized Team Activities where their new head coach can instill new philosophies and a fresh mindset heading into the 2026 season. With Aaron Rodgers' return to the Black and Gold now official, many players are getting a chance to battle things out for roster spots and some for starting jobs for the upcoming year. There are several new weapons on offense for Rodgers at his disposal now as well. However, he also will be yet again taking on a mentor role at the quarterback position.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers warming up before an NFL game in the 2025 season in Pittsburgh, PA.
One quarterback that will learn under him is newly-drafted quarterback Drew Allar, who the franchise selected in the third round of the April event. Also under his wing, for the second straight year, will be quarterback Will Howard. Many have knocked him, claiming that they are not sure if the arm strength exists for the second-year guy out of Ohio State University.
However, a recent appearance from Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on The Rich Eisen Show may suggest that Howard has the arm strength after all and can seize an opportunity to get a real chance at becoming the next franchise quarterback in the Steel City. He will not get that opportunity in 2026, barring an injury to Rodgers, but he will definitely get a chance to audition for 2027. With Howard missing out on the chance at the preseason reps last year, he will now have a chance to show some flashes of what he could become this preseason before Rodgers ultimately takes the reins in the regular season.
"They really like what they've seen of Will Howard," Dulac said. "And again, I know it's OTAs, but when you watch Will Howard yesterday in practice, you could see how much more comfortable he is and the throws he's making. You don't sit there and go 'Wow, you know, there's not a strong arm there.' I saw him make a couple passes where if you weren't watching, you might think it was one of the other quarterbacks."
Should this be true from Dulac, who is around the team often, Howard may be able to change the narrative that is out on him. He also has the clutch factor in him, which is the knock against the newly-drafted Allar, as he came up short many times during his college career at Penn State in big games.
Sam Navarro / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers' newly drafted quarterback Drew Allar looks on during his time at Penn State after a crucial interception.
Howard, however, was able to lead the Buckeyes to a 2024 college football playoff National Championship in his final season.
Steelers Can Groom Howard For 2027 Starting Quarterback Role
Rodgers announced that the upcoming season would be his final one in the NFL. If this truly is it for the four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl winner, the Ohio State product gets the benefit of learning under him for one more year. A look at him in the preseason may also be beneficial, as he has not seen any in-game action since being drafted.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (right) watches as veteran QB Aaron Rodgers (left) gets ready to throw the football during a drill in the 2025 season in Pittsburgh, PA at practice.
Howard clearly has the intangibles to lead a team, given he won a championship in his senior year of college. Showcasing the physical traits, whether it be in preseason games or during team activities, may be just what the second-year quarterback needs to show his new coaching staff so he gets the inside track for the starting job in 2027. The experience in college of going from Kansas State to Ohio State via the transfer portal should also be beneficial for him learning a new offense under McCarthy.
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