“If Howard struggles mightily, then the door is cracked for Rudolph to stick around as the backup. In that scenario, Howard gets cut. That happens all the time to sixth-round picks, particularly when a new coaching staff takes over,” reported Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The former Ohio State Buckeyes player was selected with the 185th overall pick in 2025 but did not see any playing time or snaps during his rookie season. This could be a key factor when it comes to decision-making in the Steel City.

Howard is currently sharing the depth chart with Mason Rudolph and the recently drafted Drew Allar. Now it remains to be seen what decision Rodgers will ultimately make, and from there, head coach Mike McCarthy will choose his QB1 for the start of the season.

Rodgers’ numbers kept Howard off the field

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Rodgers delivered a masterclass in 2025 by throwing for 3,845 yards and 26 touchdowns with only 8 interceptions. This high-level consistency, which led the team back to the postseason, meant there was zero opportunity for Howard to see the field.

However, the future remains a massive talking point in the Steel City, especially as the Steelers reportedly set a deadline for Aaron Rodgers to decide whether he will return for the 2026 campaign or finally hang up his cleats.

McCarthy has experience developing young QBs

Mike McCarthy’s reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” provides a significant reason for optimism regarding Will Howard’s future in Pittsburgh. McCarthy’s career is defined by his success in refining the mechanics of young passers, most notably overseeing the early career and peak years of Aaron Rodgers, but also playing a crucial role in the development of Brett Favre as his quarterbacks coach in the 90s.

More recently, his work in Dallas helped Dak Prescott achieve some of the most efficient passing numbers of his career. This history of maximizing talent through structured offensive systems suggests that Howard is in the right hands to transition from a developmental rookie into a reliable NFL starter.

“Nobody really knows what’s happening with Aaron Rodgers, but Drew Allar might be the most fascinating part of this entire Steelers situation,” ESPN analyst Chase Daniel said. “The flashes are special, but the inconsistencies have been frustrating. If he develops the right way, this could get very interesting.”

These inconsistencies refer to the quarterback’s ability to make high-level plays, as well as his tendency to make poor decisions in crucial moments. Ultimately, it will be his new coach’s job to help correct these mistakes.

Mike McCarthy’s track record of developing quarterbacks and young prospects is well known. With Allar, along with second-year player Will Howard, the Steelers clearly have plenty of talent to potentially replace A-Rod. Can this young group potentially carry the weight of a historic, championship-winning franchise?

Similarities between Rodgers and Allar

Drew Allar has often drawn comparisons to Aaron Rodgers due to his rare combination of prototypical size, a powerful arm, and the ability to deliver accurate passes from unconventional platforms. Much like a young Rodgers, Allar excels at maintaining a high touchdown-to-interception ratio, finishing his 2025 season at Penn State with 24 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions while throwing for 2,842 yards.

The Roethlisberger experience in Pittsburgh

Drew Allar is currently third on the depth chart. Ben Roethlisberger, the historic quarterback of this franchise, also went through the same situation back in 2004.

Big Ben was selected by the Steelers with the 11th overall pick and didn’t see the field until Week 2 after Tommy Maddox’s injury, earning his first start in Week 3 against Miami. From there, his legacy went on to include two Super Bowl titles (XL, XLIII).

What decision will McCarthy make in Pittsburgh?

It is difficult to know what will happen with the Steelers starting in Week 1. Many believe Rodgers will return for another season of redemption, while others see the young players as the foundation of a new era under McCarthy’s leadership.

Today, the quarterback room is made up not only of the aforementioned Allar and Howard, but also the experienced Mason Rudolph, who is also in the competition to earn a starting role.

Speaking to Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio, McCarthy said, “Definitely there was communication beforehand [with Aaron Rodgers] and it’s something that just puts us in position to be smart business wise.” This information is key, as it was reported that Rodgers could be frustrated with the Steelers over this contract move.

This could perfectly hint at the fact that the Steelers do know that Rodgers will be back. If there was uncertainty around his return to the NFL, this would all be pointless. Hence, this all signals a return from the four-time MVP.

Aaron Rodgers’ 2025 numbers

Rodgers guided the Steelers to the AFC North title with a 10-6 record. As for his individual numbers, Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also delivered some huge flashback moments to his prime throughout the season.

While it was clear he wasn’t going to be the 4,000-yard quarterback he once was, Rodgers is still accurate and smart. His cleverness allows him to read defenses and if given time in the pocket, he is still capable to decimate defenses with pinpoint accuracy.

The Steelers have no quality plan B for Rodgers

At least for 2026, the Steelers do need Rodgers to come back. Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, or recently-drafted Drew Allar are nowhere near Rodgers’ level. Rudolph has a low ceiling, while Howard and Allar are young, raw prospects that might not be NFL-ready just yet.

Hence, Rodgers coming back could actually make or break the Steelers season. Therefore, the right-of-refusal tender was key for the Steelers to get some certainty amid all the doubts surrounding the QB position.

“The buy-in is excellent,” McCarthy said during a press conference. “You have to make changes, there’s things you’re going to adjust, and there’s things you’re going to emphasize. . . . I think the buy-in has been excellent.”

The short-term goal? By mid-June, every player must understand each of their responsibilities. “I think we’re in a really good spot. I’m very pleased with participation. It’s a player-first teaching environment. We’ve been able to push a high volume of information to our players. The players have been outstanding.

“By June 12, our goal is to make sure everyone of our players has what they need schematically, the communication, the details of their roles and responsibilities are, and I think we’re off to a good start. I’ve been very impressed and appreciative of the time spent by our players.”

Continuing Tomlin’s legacy

Mike McCarthy faces the monumental task of upholding the ‘Steelers Way’ following the departure of Mike Tomlin, who led the franchise for 19 seasons without a single losing record. While both men are Super Bowl-winning head coaches, McCarthy must translate that shared championship pedigree into postseason success for a city that has grown accustomed to the elite standards set by his predecessor.

Tomlin leaves behind a legendary resume in Pittsburgh, including 193 regular-season wins, 8 AFC North titles, and a Super Bowl XLIII ring. For McCarthy to truly cement his own legacy in the Steel City, he will need to build upon Tomlin’s foundation of consistency while finding the spark to return the black and gold to the pinnacle of the NFL.

Tomlin’s new role in the NFL

Following his legendary tenure in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin is transitioning to the broadcast booth as a studio analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America. Starting in the 2026 season, the experienced coach will bring his signature leadership and sharp football IQ to the network’s flagship Sunday night pregame show, filling the high-profile vacancy left by Tony Dungy.

McCarthy already has his eye on the Draft

The Steelers are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a massive arsenal of 12 total picks, including five within the first 100 selections. While they hold the 21st overall pick in the first round, the strategy under McCarthy and Omar Khan remains fluid due to the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback room. Although Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are currently on the roster, the team is still awaiting a definitive word on Aaron Rodgers’ return.

Regarding this critical situation, the team has acknowledged that Rodgers’ deadline might extend beyond the draft itself. This leaves the Steelers in a delicate position: they may use one of their early picks on a prospect like Ty Simpson or Garrett Nussmeier to secure the future, or they could leverage their draft capital to bolster the offensive line and secondary while waiting for a final decision on the bridge starter role.

• Round 1: No. 21
• Round 2: No. 53
• Round 3: No. 76
• Round 3: No. 85
• Round 3: No. 99
• Round 4: No. 121
• Round 4: No. 135
• Round 5: No. 161
• Round 6: No. 216
• Round 7: No. 224
• Round 7: No. 230
• Round 7: No. 237

Despite lacking a clear long-term answer at the position, and with a lot of rumors surrounding Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers are not expected to force a solution early, choosing instead to remain flexible as the board unfolds.

That perspective was reinforced by analyst Matt Miller, who shed light on the team’s internal thinking. “The Steelers might not have a clear-cut quarterback of the future on the roster, but one internal source said that they won’t be forced to draft one this year. That source noted Pittsburgh will play the board first and that Will Howard, last year’s sixth-round pick, has fans in the front office.”

Steelers believe in Will Howard

One key factor in that patience appears to be the presence of Will Howard as the Steelers see enough upside to keep developing the young quarterback. While Howard is far from a proven starter, internal belief in his potential may reduce the pressure to invest heavily in another prospect right away.

Who will be Steelers QB in 2026?

Aaron Rodgers is the favorite to be the Steelers’ quarterback in 2026, but if he suddenly changes his decision, everything points to Mike McCarthy giving the reins to Will Howard. The big question is whether they will take another QB in the later rounds of the draft.

According to Brooke Pryor, a first-round quarterback selection won’t be the path to follow. “It seems unlikely the Steelers will use their first-round pick on a quarterback.”

Rodgers’ pending decision looms large over everything. If he returns, the urgency shifts slightly, but it doesn’t eliminate the long-term need. Head coach Mike McCarthy reportedly sees potential in Will Howard, yet as a sixth-round prospect, he remains far from a sure answer. That leaves the Steelers in a position where adding another young quarterback later in the draft becomes not just an option, but a logical step.

Steelers could target quarterback in later rounds of 2026 NFL Draft

Pryor added that Pittsburgh’s interest in the quarterback class goes beyond surface-level evaluation and Day 2 or Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft could bring a new name to the QB room.

“Don’t rule out a selection on Day 2 or Day 3, even if Aaron Rodgers returns. New head coach Mike McCarthy and the scouting staff have been doing their homework on several prospects in the quarterback class, including Carson Beck (Miami), Drew Allar (Penn State) and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU). Both McCarthy and GM Omar Khan have been transparent about their signal-caller wish list: long arms, big hands and a knack for thriving in the cold weather.”

That preparation aligns with McCarthy’s history of developing quarterbacks. Over the years, he has played a key role in shaping the careers of Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott, and Brett Favre, three very different players who found success under his guidance.

His track record suggests Pittsburgh may be confident in identifying and developing talent outside the first round. With no true successor identified since Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers may once again look to the draft, even if the answer doesn’t come on Day 1.

“Me personally, I never thought he was the problem or whatever, but it sucks,” he said about Tomlin’s dismissal on Good Morning Football. “I was — I wouldn’t say traumatized — but it hurt, because he was the one who took me in as an undrafted [player], he gave me a shot, and that’s who I was playing under for my first four years. To hear him resign, it sucked, but he had to do what he had to do.”

Warren arrived in Steel City in 2022 as an undrafted free agent after his final stint at Oklahoma State Cowboys football. This year, he will have a new coaching staff, which is also awaiting a final decision from Aaron Rodgers.

Warren’s 2025 in the Steelers

During the 2025 NFL season, Jaylen Warren continued to be a vital dual-threat weapon for Mike Tomlin’s offense, appearing in 16 regular-season games. On the ground, Warren recorded 211 carries for 958 rushing yards, averaging a solid 4.5 yards per attempt and finding the end zone 6 times.

His impact extended to the passing game, where he served as a reliable safety valve, hauling in 40 receptions for 333 yards and 2 additional touchdowns. One of his standout performances came in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, where he exploded for a season-high 143 rushing yards and two scores, helping solidify his role as a key playmaker in Pittsburgh’s backfield.

The arrival of Mike McCarthy

Mike McCarthy joined the Pittsburgh Steelers after the franchise was left without a head coach heading into what lies ahead. Jaylen Warren, a key piece of the offense, is optimistic about this shift in energy.

“He’s been energetic,” Warren said regarding his new head coach. “Obviously, it’s an NFL week, so he’s been doing his thing as far as preparing us for what he wants and is expecting us to expect from him. It’s been great. I just love the energy he brings, and I just love what he’s about.“

Looking ahead to the Draft

McCarthy and Pittsburgh are in a strong position heading into the next draft. With 12 picks at their disposal, the hope of landing players such as wide receiver Makai Lemon is very much alive. These are the spots where the Steelers will have to make their selections.

• Round 1: Pick 21
• Round 2: Pick 53
• Round 3: Pick 76
• Round 3: Pick 85
• Round 3: Pick 99
• Round 4: Pick 121
• Round 4: Pick 135
• Round 5: Pick 161
• Round 6: Pick 216
• Round 7: Pick 224
• Round 7: Pick 230
• Round 7: Pick 237

“People get caught up in what round he went in,” McCarthy said at the NFL League Meetings. “If I was drafting players that year, he wouldn’t have been around in the fifth or sixth round.

“I valued him higher than that based off Kansas State. And man, I thought he jumped out of the tv set during the college playoffs. What not is there to like about the guy? So, I think he’s definitely a real prospect as a starting quarterback.”

Howard or Rudolph

Will Howard is a major investment for the Steelers, even if Rodgers returns. Still, the former Buckeyes player will have to compete for a spot against Mason Rudolph, a seasoned veteran who is also looking for his chance to start in Week 1 in Steel City.

What will happen with Rodgers?

As of early April 2026, Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent as he mulls over whether to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 22nd NFL season or retire. While he has not set a formal deadline, Steelers owner Art Rooney II expects a decision before the NFL Draft begins on April 23. Head coach Mike McCarthy remains optimistic about a reunion, noting that he and Rodgers have been in “constant communication”.

Howard waits for his chance

Despite a hand injury that sidelined him during last year’s training camp, Will Howard is now fully healthy and focused on making his NFL debut in 2026. After a year of development within the Steelers’ system, he enters the upcoming season ready to compete for a spot on the active roster and finally showcase his skills on the professional stage.

“Just like they always are, life, football, so what’s going on at the facility,” the head coach said, via Steelers.com. “Really engaged into what’s going on. I would just say he’s in a very positive space. We’ll just continue to engage in conversations. We’ve been talking weekly, every couple of days, so we’ll just continue to do that.”

Without going into too much detail, McCarthy offered a brief glimpse into the dialogue he’s had with Rodgers. Two seasoned figures around the league who could potentially reunite—this time in Steel City—and make a run back to the Super Bowl.

“The personal part of it will always be the same,” coach McCarthy added. “Football guys, they talk about the past. We talked about plays in 2010. We’re talking a lot of football, his experience in Pittsburgh. We talk a lot about football and just where he is in his life right now.”

When McCarthy and Rodgers reached glory

In Super Bowl XLV, head coach Mike McCarthy led the Green Bay Packers to a historic 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Rodgers delivered a masterful performance that earned him the MVP honors, completing 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

This triumph brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay for the first time in 14 years, cementing the McCarthy-Rodgers duo in NFL history.

Aaron Rodgers’ alternatives

The quarterback’s options for what lies ahead are not many. In fact, the most concrete scenarios at this point in the year are limited to just three.

The one many envision is a return to Pittsburgh, at least for one more season. Another possibility could be a team change, which is somewhat less likely. And finally, the ever-feared retirement, something that wouldn’t sound out of place given Rodgers’ age.

“I still expect that,” Art Rooney II told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Sunday at the annual league meeting in Arizona. “I expect we’ll get an answer before the draft.“

He also added: “When I talked to him and Omar [Khan] talked to him, he told us he wasn’t going to take as long this year as he did last year [to make a decision]. I’m not 100 percent sure what that means, but I expect something before the draft.”

When is the next NFL Draft 2026?

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from Thursday, April 23, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. For the first time since 1948, the event returns to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the main stage and draft theater set against the backdrop of the North Shore and Acrisure Stadium.

The scenario if Rodgers doesn’t return to Pittsburgh

Three paths emerge surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ decision: a return to Steel City, a change of teams, or a potential retirement. That said, what happens if he chooses not to join Mike McCarthy‘s team for the upcoming season?

In that case, the Steelers’ new head coach will have to make a decision regarding the team’s other two quarterbacks, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. The aforementioned draft could also serve as an excellent opportunity to add a new prospect.

Pittsburgh’s available Draft picks

With the goal of acquiring young College Football talent, these are the 12 picks the Pittsburgh Steelers will have at their disposal in just a few weeks:

• 1st round: 21st pick
• 2nd round: 53rd pick
• 3rd round: 76th pick
• 3rd round: 85th pick
• 3rd round: 99th pick
• 4th round: 121st pick
• 4th round: 135th pick
• 5th round: 161st pick
• 6th round: 216th pick
• 7th round: 224th pick
• 7th round: 230th pick
• 7th round: 237th pick

“Yes, it’d be a great story,” McCarthy said, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN. “I don’t know. I would love to tell everybody breaking news. It’s really cool to see Aaron at 42, a young man at 22, all that he’s been able to accomplish, and where he’s at in his personal life, trying to make this decision. He’s in a really good place.”

While many trust they’ll see Rodgers in the NFL a while longer, this situation still remains unresolved. The veteran is taking his time to weigh every step as he looks ahead to what’s next.

McCarthy and Rodgers already know glory

In 2011, Mike McCarthy led the Green Bay Packers to a historic victory in Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Rodgers delivered a masterful performance, earning the game’s MVP honors for his precision and poise.

He completed 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards and threw three touchdowns with no interceptions. This 31-25 win secured the franchise’s fourth Lombardi Trophy and cemented the McCarthy-Rodgers era in NFL history.

Quarterback alternatives for McCarthy

Steelers’ roster currently features veteran Mason Rudolph and sophomore Will Howard, a 2025 sixth-round pick who has yet to take a regular-season snap. While the team is keeping the door open for Rodgers to return for another season, they are heavily scouting the 2026 Draft class.

If Rodgers retires or signs elsewhere, there’s a chance that the Steelers might target a top prospect like Ty Simpson or Carson Beck to secure a long-term starter.

Pittsburgh sets its sights on the Draft

With just weeks to go before the 2026 NFL Draft unfolds, the Steelers find themselves in a privileged position. Steel City has a total of 12 picks after receiving four compensatory selections for 2026.

• 1st round: 21st pick overall
• 2nd round: 53rd pick overall
• 3rd round: 76th pick overall, from Dallas Cowboys in George Pickens trade
• 3rd round: 85th pick overall
• 3rd round: 99th pick overall
• 4th round: 121st pick overall
• 4th round: 135th pick overall
• 5th round: 161st pick overall
• 6th round: 216th pick overall
• 7th round: 224th pick overall, from New England Patriots in Kyle Dugger trade
• 7th round: 230th pick overall, from Indianapolis Colts in Michael Pittman trade
• 7th round: 237th pick overall