Steelers' Will Howard Gives Behind The Scenes Look At Tight Quarterback Battle

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation is interesting but not at the same exact time. It is not fascinating because everyone knows that the starter is going to be Aaron Rodgers, and the offense is expected to rely a ton on the running game. However, some fans will be paying close attention to how the room comes together behind Rodgers as the franchise has two younger quarterbacks, along with a experienced veteran backup in Mason Rudolph. Rudolph has been with the Steelers for the majority of his career, but his spot as the team's top backup is expected to be tested by second-year signal-caller Will Howard.

Rudolph was Rodgers' backup throughout the 2025 season and got to start one game in relief of the four-time league MVP. Howard missed most of training camp during his rookie year and didn't get to see the field during the preseason, but now he is expected to be a factor in the quarterback room. He was praised throughout the offseason by new Head Coach Mike McCarthy, and all reports indicated that he had a good spring with the team. 

Howard was the second quarterback in the rotation throughout the offseason, but McCarthy announced, for the start of camp, that Rudolph would begin as the second quarterback. The two will probably be rotated a ton and interchanged as they go through this battle. Drew Allar is not expected to be a factor as the 2026 season is viewed as a developmental year for the rookie. Howard was asked after practice on Thursday about his battle with Rudolph.

"It's not any different from any other year," Howard said. "You're always competing, especially in this league. You're always competing to keep your job and to get on the field. Every opportunity you get you've got to maximize, I think at the end of the day we have a great room, we enjoy spending time together, it's not a toxic competition or anything. It's all out of love, and we're all trying to make the Pittsburgh Steelers better and make each other better. I think at the end of the day that's what competition brings out of you. It brings out the best."

Howard is clearly approaching this position battle in the right way. He is being mature about the situation and letting things play out the way they need to. It won't be easy to overtake Rudolph on the depth chart, but he should be given every opportunity to do so.

The Steelers have been stuck in quarterback purgatory for years, and a young passer like Howard or Allar could be the franchise's way out. If either player can develop into a franchise quarterback, the Steelers would be in a great spot. It is a long shot that would even happen, but there is a chance that whoever loses the backup job is not going to be on the roster in 2026. 

That would mean Howard could be gone if Rudolph beats him out, and that could be bad for the future of the organization. It is best for all parties involved if Howard finds a way to win this job over Rudolph.

Steelers Could Technically Still Keep Four Quarterbacks

The typical thing to do as a franchise is to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster going into the NFL season, and then maybe an additional player at the position on the practice squad. The Steelers are a candidate to potentially keep four on the active roster going into the 2026 season. If the organization decides not to that, then it would mean either Rudolph or Howard are likely cut or traded. 

The other option would be risky and adding one of them to the practice squad, but they could then be stolen by another team. The other loophole to consider would be playing one of the three quarterbacks behind Rodgers on extended IR, but that would mean that player cannot practice or develop.

What do you think about Howard's comments on the position battle? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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