The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have one of the most watched quarterback situations in the NFL throughout training camp and the preseason. The team obviously already knows who the starter is going to be after Aaron Rodgers decided to sign another one-year deal with the franchise, but the rest of the room is going to take time to figure out. Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are going to be battling it out for the top backup job, while Drew Allar is going to be trying to get his footing in the NFL throughout his rookie year.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterbacks Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Aaron Rodgers warm up prior to Pittsburgh's 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL regular season.
There has been a ton of debate about whether or not the Steelers will be keeping four quarterbacks during the 2026 season. Rodgers and Allar have their spots secured, but Rudolph or Howard could be let go based on how the battle for the backup job goes. There's a small chance that four quarterbacks could be kept, but that seems unlikely.
Fans want Howard to stay on the roster so that the organization has two younger quarterbacks that could be developed. It is a weird situation he is in as it seemed like he could be the starter at some points during the offseason prior to Rodgers re-signing, and now his job could be in jeopardy. Someone that has always been high on Howard has been Jon Gruden, and he was on the most recent episode of Not Just Football where he praised the young quarterback while hoping that he gets a shot.
"I think you see it closer than anybody, he has the 'it' factor," Gruden said to Cam Heyward. "Very good charisma, smart, great leader, I'm hoping he gets a shot at some point with the Steelers. He's got that winning aura that I think a lot of people covet. I hope he gets to showcase it."
Gruden was adamant in saying that he hopes Howard gets a chance to see the field at some point while wearing the black and gold. Cam Heyward had to butt in and state that he hopes it does not happen for some time as he does not want to see Rodgers go down.
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Steelers QB Will Howard during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Gruden's love for Howard first showed when Howard appeared on the former head coach's show while preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. The two worked together in a class room setting and on the practice field, and Howard impressed Gruden thoroughly. This is not the first time he has spoken highly of the quarterback.
Mike McCarthy has spoken about Howard in the same way that Gruden has at times, which might hint at the fact that Howard has the leg up in the battle for the backup job. It is also worth noting that McCarthy and Gruden have an existing relationship as the two coached together at Pittsburgh back during the 1991 college football season.
Steelers Need To Keep Will Howard Around For 2027
Rodgers has already said that he is going to be retiring following the 2026 season, and Rudolph is entering the final year of his contract. The only two quarterbacks under contract for 2027 are Howard and Allar, which means the starting job could come down to those two. They each might have a shot to see the field, but Howard would have to prove he is good enough to make the roster in 2026 in order to have that chance.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers QBs Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Drew Allar throw the ball in the 2026 offseason.
He has yet to see the field in a preseason game and he missed a ton of practice time in 2025, so it really is a mystery how he might look during the preseason ahead of the 2026 regular season.
What do you think about Gruden's comments on Howard? Do you think the quarterback has the 'it' factor? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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