The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting situation developing at quarterback, and former Ohio State standout Will Howard could eventually find himself on the outside looking in. Pittsburgh entered the 2026 season with four quarterbacks on its roster, but that arrangement might not survive another offseason. Aaron Rodgers is expected to retire following the season, creating an opportunity for someone younger to take control. However, longtime Steelers insider Gerry Dulac has raised an important possibility concerning Howard's future.
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Steelers QB Will Howard during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers selected Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. His college accomplishments made him an intriguing developmental prospect, but injuries prevented him from establishing himself during his rookie season. Pittsburgh subsequently selected Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 draft, adding another young quarterback to the competition. The organization also retained veteran Mason Rudolph, giving Head Coach Mike McCarthy experience alongside two prospects.
During his October 28 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette chat, Dulac was asked whether Howard would likely become expendable if Pittsburgh selected another quarterback early in the 2027 NFL Draft. The question also suggested Rudolph could remain valuable because of his experience. Dulac offered a brief but meaningful response.
"That sounds about right," Dulac said.
Although those four words do not confirm any decision, they introduce an uncomfortable possibility for Howard. The Steelers have invested considerable attention in developing their quarterback room, but roster spots are not unlimited. If Pittsburgh decides another highly regarded prospect is worth drafting, somebody could become expendable. Based on Dulac's assessment, Howard might be the player facing the greatest uncertainty.
The situation becomes particularly interesting when considering Allar's place in the organization. Pittsburgh used significantly more valuable draft capital to acquire the former Penn State quarterback, and McCarthy has expressed confidence in the team's young talent. That does not guarantee Allar will develop into a franchise quarterback. However, it could make the Steelers more reluctant to move on from him before receiving a meaningful opportunity to evaluate his progress.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Will Howard (18) and Drew Allar (16) warm up for a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium.
Rudolph presents a different consideration. The veteran has experience operating Pittsburgh's offense and provides an established alternative if a young starter struggles. Keeping that presence could be attractive for a team attempting to remain competitive while transitioning away from Rodgers.
Steelers' Will Howard Faces Uncertain Future As Quarterback Plans Develop
Dulac's latest comments become even more noteworthy when compared with his previous reporting about Pittsburgh's quarterback plans. During his October 21 chat, the insider explained that the Steelers had not ruled out selecting another quarterback, particularly if they identified a prospect with greater potential than Howard or Allar. Many feel as if that would not be very hard, considering Howard was taken in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
That assessment suggests the organization has not necessarily committed its future to either young player. Both quarterbacks have opportunities to prove themselves, but neither possesses an unquestioned claim to Pittsburgh's starting job beyond 2026.
General Manager Omar Khan previously praised the team's quarterback depth after the Steelers kept all four players on their initial roster. He specifically expressed excitement about the two younger quarterbacks and their potential futures. Nevertheless, maintaining that depth for one season does not mean Pittsburgh will follow the same approach indefinitely.
Howard's challenge is especially difficult because developmental quarterbacks need opportunities to demonstrate improvement. Rodgers receives the overwhelming majority of meaningful playing time, while Rudolph offers experience as the primary backup. That leaves limited opportunities for Howard and Allar to prove they deserve larger roles.
There is also a significant difference between considering a quarterback in the draft and actually selecting one. Pittsburgh could ultimately decide its existing options deserve another opportunity. The organization might also find that other positions require more immediate attention.
Should the Pittsburgh Steelers give Will Howard a legitimate opportunity to compete for their starting quarterback job, or should Omar Khan pursue another prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft? Share your thoughts with @anthonyghalkias on X.
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