The Pittsburgh Steelers are in an interesting situation with Will Howard. If we’re taking what the Steelers’ brass is saying at face value, the franchise is extremely excited about its second-year quarterback.
That’s despite the Steelers taking him in the sixth round last year. But the new staff might think much higher of him, with Mike McCarthy saying this week that he would have drafted Howard higher than the 185th overall pick with which he was taken. Former NFL scout John Middlekauff isn’t sure whether to believe that or not, but he does think the chances of Howard starting games next season are growing.
“Maybe [McCarthy’s] just saying this, but I think it’s fair to believe him. I think he likes him a lot. So, I think it’s pretty clear, that if I was a betting man, because it’s like, well who are their quarterbacks, that Will Howard is gonna be the backup, and Aaron Rodgers is gonna be the starter,” Middlekauff said Wednesday on his 3 and Out podcast. And based on a guy being over 40, there is no guarantee. And we just saw last year, he broke his hand, and Aaron Rodgers no longer moves at all. Like, Will Howard is probably gonna get some starts in 2026. I’d be stunned if he doesn’t play in 2026.”
On one hand, the Steelers want to give themselves the best chance of competing every year. That’s why they’re in a waiting game with Aaron Rodgers upgraded their offense after winning 10 games and a division title last season. Starting someone with no NFL experience, like Howard, is a risk.
On the other hand, if there ever was a season to hand the keys to someone so unproven, this might be it. In this year’s draft, the Steelers don’t have any standout QB options. And pretty much anyone they might draft would be considered a project. At this point, Pittsburgh has let most of the options in free agency and the trade market find new homes as well without showing much interest.
That includes Kirk Cousins, who’s reportedly signing with Las Vegas. Cousins was considered by some reporters as a potential Plan B if Rodgers retires. With him out of the equation, there’s a solid chance it will be Will Howard and Mason Rudolph competing for the starting job if Rodgers doesn’t re-sign with the Steelers. Beat writer Mark Kaboly said as much on Thursday.
Kirk Cousins to the Raiders just removed the Steelers potential backup plan in case Aaron Rodgers doesn't re-sign with them. If, for some unforeseen reason, Rodgers doesn't return to the Steelers, it's going to be Will Howard/Mason Rudolph fighting for QB1.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) April 2, 2026
It still feels likely that Rodgers will return, and that would take any immediate starting opportunities away from Howard. But if Howard beats out Rudolph for the backup job, he certainly could be in line for playing time. As the backup, Rudolph started one game and saw the field in five last season.
Either way, Middlekauff is buying the Steelers’ Will Howard hype. One way or another, he expects Howard to start some games in 2026.
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