"Howard The Odd Man Out": Steelers Fans Get Concerning Warning About Will Howard

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the more talked-about quarterback situations in the league, which is not typically the case for a team that has a clear stance on who the starter is going to be. There is no doubting that Aaron Rodgers will be lining up under center for the Steelers during the 2026 season, but the order that comes behind him at the position has been a highly debated topic. The Steelers currently have four quarterbacks on the roster, including Rodgers, and based on recent history it seems more than likely that one of them won't be on the active roster to begin the year.

Aside from Rodgers, the organization has one experienced quarterback on the payroll, and that is veteran backup Mason Rudolph. He has proven he can win some games here and there, but he has also proven consistently that he is primarily more of a backup quarterback. The other two players at the position are young, as second-year player Will Howard is looking to win the top backup job while Drew Allar gets adjusted to the NFL as a rookie. Pittsburgh could keep four quarterbacks, but that is not something that happens often as it would mean limiting the roster at another position.

Beat writer Mark Kaboly recently released his prediction for the team's final 53-man roster on X, where he had the franchise keeping Howard off the final roster.

"The Steelers want to develop a long-term quarterback between third-round pick Allar and Will Howard, it’s not a simple process," Kaboly wrote. "For the record, I would keep all four quarterbacks, but the Steelers don’t seem very interested in doing that. McCarthy has never done that in his 18 years as a head coach. Regardless of what happens in the preseason, Rudolph and Allar slot in at QB2 and QB3, with Howard the odd man out. Trying to stash Howard on the practice squad might not be that daunting, considering he was a sixth-round pick with no reps to speak of as a rookie."

This would probably infuriate fans, but it is also important to note that Kaboly has always sided with Rudolph in any sort of quarterback controversy in the history of the veteran quarterback's career. He always props Rudolph up despite the fact that the quarterback has been nothing special throughout his time with the franchise, and he is clearly nothing more than a backup.

The only reason keeping Rudolph would make sense is that he has experience as a starter. Allar and Howard do not, and there is a good chance that the 42-year-old starter will miss a snap or two throughout the season. Keeping Rudolph would strictly be so that someone with actual on-field NFL experience is behind Rodgers. The Steelers probably aren't winning the Super Bowl in 2026, and focusing on the future should take precedence. That would mean keeping both Howard and Allar, and maybe even getting them some valuable experience throughout the 2026 season.

Steelers' Will Howard Needs To Take The Decision Away From The Organization

Currently the 2026 season is viewed as a redshirt year for Allar. He is going to be the last quarterback on the depth chart more than likely while the franchise tries to develop him throughout the week. Howard is battling Rudolph for the top backup job. If Howard goes out there and just outperforms Rudolph, the franchise isn't going to be able to side with Rudolph. Howard is younger, and there is a chance he could be starting meaningful games for the Steelers in the coming years. Siding with Rudolph over Howard would be extremely controversial, but it is certainly a possibility.

What do you think about this prediction from Kaboly? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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