Aaron Rodgers retiring, should that be his decision, might seem to swing the door wide open for Will Howard to assume the role of Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback. NFL insider Tom Pelissero says not so fast. Appearing on Colin Cowherd’s The Herd Wednesday, Pelissero pushed back on the assumption Pittsburgh will immediately pivot to Howard should Rodgers opt against returning.
“I don’t think anybody [is] sitting back and, if Aaron doesn’t come back, bang 17 games of Will Howard. It’s not like that,” Pelissero told Cowherd.
There are plenty of Steelers fans who disagree and are eager to see Howard start. Pittsburgh’s talked up Howard’s potential with GM Omar Khan and head coach Mike McCarthy expressing excitement about his future. McCarthy’s background developing quarterbacks make the prospect even more enticing. Pelissero is splashing cold water on the idea, though he didn’t make clear who the team would pivot to if forced to go to Plan B.
“They obviously have not made a move for any of the other quarterbacks who have been traded for or have signed elsewhere,” Pelissero said.
The top option could be Kirk Cousins, arguably the top free agent not named Rodgers on the quarterback market. Cut loose by Atlanta earlier this month, Cousins rebounded a bit by looking healthier in 2025 two years removed from his torn Achilles. Still, his numbers were modest: a 61-percent completion rate, 10 touchdown passes, and five interceptions.
The best thing about his resume is his ability to win. He went 5-3 as Atlanta’s starter last year and has posted a .500 or better mark in five-straight seasons and seven of his last eight. That could be attractive to a Pittsburgh team showing zero interest in rebuilding.
Pittsburgh’s expectations remain a Rodgers return with Mike McCarthy’s latest comments hinting as much. If not, all eyes will be on their next step. Is Cousins the fallback plan? Are they impressed with Ty Simpson enough to take him in the first round? One last push at trading for Mac Jones? Insiders like Pelissero aren’t sure. But he seems confident Howard won’t immediately be anointed the starter even if Rodgers hangs up his cleats.
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