Aaron Rodgers
Getty
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy stated again he wants quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return next season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been known to be one of the most prepared and consistent franchises in the NFL. That is part of the reason why former head coach Mike Tomlin never had a losing season in 19 consecutive seasons. Still, nothing in the preparedness realm is changing under new head coach Mike McCarthy, especially as it pertains to the quarterback position.
According to Matthew Berry of NBC Sports, Pittsburgh has a potential backup plan in place in case future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides not to return to the Steel City for his 22nd career NFL season. That plan revolves around a quarterback who is already in the building.
Pittsburgh Steelers Could Name Will Howard Starting Quarterback
Will Howard
GettyThe Steelers drafted Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here is what Berry had to say post-NFL Scouting Combine, specifically about Howard being the one to take over for Rodgers in 2026:
“I was told they want Aaron Rodgers to return and be their starter this year, but if for some reason that doesn’t happen, Pittsburgh loves Will Howard. They would more likely start Howard for the year rather than paying one of the Kyler/Geno batch of guys.”
Howard was selected at pick No. 185 in the 2025 NFL Draft after leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national title. The Pennsylvania native battled a fractured hand for much of the 2025 season, which denied him any sort of significant playing time.
Nevertheless, it appears as though the 24-year-old could be prepared to take the reins if Rodgers, whom he studied under for a season, opts not to come back. While not yet having started an NFL game, he did start in 43 of the 50 career college football games that he played in across his time at both Kansas State and Ohio State.
The Significance of an Aaron Rodgers Return to Pittsburgh
Mike McCarthy
GettyMike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers spent 13 years together with the Green Bay Packers.
While the Steelers could rip the bandage off and enter the future with Howard as their starter, perhaps the best thing for this veteran-heavy team is to hope that the four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion in Rodgers does end up coming back for another year.
While he would be entering his age-43 season, and although he is not as spry as he used to be, the all-time great still can play the game at a high level. Furthermore, he would be signing on to play for the coach whom he played under for the first 13 seasons of his illustrious career. Already having a strong relationship, the two helped guide the Green Bay Packers to eight playoff appearances, five NFC North titles, three NFC Championship games, and that aforementioned Super Bowl victory over the Steelers.
While another MVP season for Rodgers seems unlikely, his solid performance last year, along with his bond with McCarthy, could give the Steelers a chance to contend yet again. After all, he did record 25 total touchdowns and just seven interceptions while playing injured on his way to leading the team to its first division title in half a decade.