The Pittsbugh Steelers still don't have an answer for Aaron Rodgers, with the team shifting its focus from the aging star to young upstart in Will Howard as the 2026 NFL seaosn inches closer
11:31 ET, 11 May 2026
Will Howard #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after winning the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Will Howard is now the focus of the Pittsburgh Steelers as Aaron Rodgers continues to ponder his future(Image: Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting for Aaron Rodgers' decision, though it appears the organization is prepared to move on if that is the case.
Since the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season, Rodgers has been silent about his plans for the 2026 campaign, with the 42-year-old remaining out of the spotlight as he decides on his future. Considering he seems to be taking his time, the Steelers are preparing for a future without the star.
As such, it appears as if Will Howard will be one of the men for the Steelers if Rodgers calls it quits. The latest update comes on the heels of Rodgers reportedly weighing up starting a family.
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NFL insider J.L. Canfora believes that the Steelers are positioning themselves to be led by Howard as Rodgers continues to ponder his future in the league. The four-time MVP has not given the coaching staff or front office any hints of whether he will play this season, according to Canfora.
Should Rodgers opt not to return to Pittsburgh and retire, or make another decision regarding his career, Howard would be in line to compete for the starting job, the NFL insider added. The team is also more willing to promote from within rather than look elsewhere to solve its quarterback conundrum.
As it stands, it is Howard and Mason Rudolph seemingly in line to battle for the starter's spot while Drew Allar, whom Pittsburgh selected 76th overall, is set to be a quarterback of the future for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks off the field
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Rodgers is yet to announce his retirement decision(Image: Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The latest update comes after Pittsburgh extended a "rare" $15 million offer the severly limits his options if he opts to play another season in the NFL.
The offer is officially classed as a transition tag or "right-of-first-refusal tender," giving the Steelers the ability to match any contract extended to Rodgers by another team. Should the 42-year-old remain with the Steelers, it would raise the value of his contract by 10 percent of his 2025 salary, pushing it to $15 million this season.
If Rodgers does not sign with another team by July 22, the first day of training camp, the quarterback will lose that right and can only negotiate with the Steelers moving forward.
Should the enigmatic quarterback opt to retire, that leaves Pittsburgh with three untested signal callers, at least compared to Rodgers, to lead them moving forward.
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Howard is 24, Rudolph, the longtime backup, has the most experience of the three at 30 years old, while Allar is 22 and fresh out of college.
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Despite how the situation is playing out for the Steelers, Howard admitted that having Rodgers in Pittsburgh is something he relishes, taking it as an opportunity to continue learning from one of the game's greats.
"I mean a sixth-rounder to be here and to have an opportunity to compete, you know, with the guys that are already in the room," Howard said on The Christian Kuntz Podcast.
"If Aaron wants to come back another year. Either way, I’m fired up. I think it's just a great scenario for the future for me and for you, and for the organization too."