Steelers' Will Howard Quickly Emerges As Surprise Giants Trade Option

The Pittsburgh Steelers suddenly have another quarterback storyline developing, but this one has little to do with their concerning offensive performance. Will Howard has now been identified as a potential trade option for the New York Giants following the injury suffered by starting quarterback Jaxson Dart. Nothing suggests Pittsburgh has started shopping Howard, but the speculation creates a fascinating decision for General Manager Omar Khan.

Dart suffered a left knee injury during New York's 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. The initial fear was that Dart had sustained an MCL sprain, although the Giants remained optimistic that the injury would not threaten his entire season. Veteran Jameis Winston replaced Dart and completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards with an interception. It appears that Dart will miss the entire 2026 season.

That uncertainty immediately created questions about whether New York could search outside the organization for another quarterback. The Steelers are carrying Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Howard and Drew Allar on their active roster, giving Pittsburgh a rare surplus at the position. Former NFL quarterback Ben DiNucci believes Howard could consequently become part of the Giants' search.

"I would not be shocked to see NYG trade for a QB," DiNucci said.

DiNucci proceeded to identify Howard as one of several quarterbacks who could make sense for New York. His list also included Sam Ehlinger, JJ McCarthy, Stetson Bennett, Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler. The wide-ranging collection of names made it clear that DiNucci was proposing possible options rather than reporting active negotiations.

Howard's inclusion is still notable because the Steelers have spent considerable time developing him since selecting him in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State quarterback has yet to establish himself as Pittsburgh's definitive long-term answer, but he remains an intriguing prospect. His combination of size, mobility and winning experience gives the organization legitimate reasons to retain him.

The Steelers' unusual decision to carry four quarterbacks also naturally invites trade speculation. Rodgers is the established starter, while Rudolph provides an experienced insurance policy who understands the organization. Howard and Allar represent younger developmental options who could eventually compete for the job after Rodgers' tenure concludes.

Steelers Have Interesting Choice To Make On Will Howard

Howard would offer the Giants something many veteran alternatives cannot: developmental upside beyond the current season. New York could acquire a quarterback capable of providing depth now while potentially competing for a larger role later. That same upside is precisely why Pittsburgh should be hesitant to entertain an inexpensive offer.

There would also be practical obstacles for Howard after any trade. He would need to learn a new offense, build chemistry with unfamiliar teammates and prepare to play without receiving the benefit of an entire offseason. His value to the Giants would depend upon whether they view him as emergency depth or somebody capable of challenging Winston for immediate opportunities.

From Pittsburgh's perspective, Allar's presence could make Howard more expendable than he was one year ago. The Steelers selected Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, making a substantial investment in another potential quarterback of the future. Keeping both young passers protects Pittsburgh, but it also creates a roster luxury that another desperate organization could attempt to exploit.

The Steelers should listen if the Giants call, but there is an enormous difference between answering the phone and actively trying to move Howard. Pittsburgh does not need to create a quarterback problem for itself merely to solve New York's emergency. Khan holds the leverage because the Steelers can comfortably retain Howard unless an offer becomes too valuable to reject.

DiNucci's suggestion has placed an unexpected name into the early-season trade conversation. Howard may not be Pittsburgh's current starter or even its primary backup, but his youth and upside give him real value around the league. The Giants' nightmare could eventually produce a stunning opportunity for the Steelers, but only if New York is willing to pay enough to make Pittsburgh reconsider its carefully constructed quarterback plan.

Would you trade Will Howard to the New York Giants if the Pittsburgh Steelers received a valuable draft pick in return? Let us know what you think, and follow me on X at @anthonyghalkias for more Steelers news and analysis.

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