“By now, Will Howard should be accustomed to learning a new playbook,” Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Gazette wrote. “After all, Mike McCarthy’s offense is his fourth in four years. He feels Howard is ‘wired’ for the task.”

While many may see a lack of consistency and regularity as a potential drawback, the truth is that Howard has shown adaptability over the past few years, adjusting to whatever situation he has faced, even learning his coordinators’ systems from scratch.

Howard’s recent experiences

Over the last four years, quarterback Will Howard has faced the massive challenge of learning four entirely different consecutive playbooks. His journey began in 2023 with the Kansas State Wildcats, mastering a gritty, run-heavy spread option system.

By 2024, he transferred to Ohio State, adapting to a high-octane, star-studded offense that culminated in a CFP National Championship with the Buckeyes. Upon entering the NFL in 2025, Howard had to absorb Mike Tomlin‘s established, defensive-minded Pittsburgh Steelers system as a rookie.

Now, in 2026, he is forced to adapt yet again as Mike McCarthy takes the reins in Pittsburgh, requiring Howard to quickly command a brand new West Coast-hybrid offensive playbook.

The perfect mentor in Pittsburgh

For young quarterback Will Howard, having Aaron Rodgers as a teammate in Pittsburgh represents the ultimate masterclass in NFL preparation. As Rodgers officially commands his final season in 2026, Howard finds himself in the enviable position of learning directly from a four-time MVP and master of the position.

This two-year window alongside A-Rod provides Howard with invaluable daily exposure to Rodgers’ elite pre-snap processing, footwork, and veteran leadership. With the franchise likely turning to Howard as their future quarterback, this ideal mentorship setup ensures that when Rodgers finally steps away after the 2026 season, the Steelers’ next-in-line will be fully prepared to inherit the throne.

“I was excited, I really was, because we really developed a special friendship, I felt like, last year. To be able to have another year with him and to learn from him, for him to continue to pour into Drew [Allar] and also me, is just an unbelievable opportunity for me as a young player in this league to learn from one of the legends that’s been doing it for a long time,” Howard said to the press.

“So, I’m excited. I just want to soak up everything I can. Take advantage of my opportunities when they’re there and just be the best version of myself every day.”

Will Howard’s rookie season was entirely a developmental year, as Aaron Rodgers managed to play every regular-season and playoff game for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It will now be time for Howard to make the most of the opportunity, with the possibility of becoming the new leader of Steel City in 2027.

Who will take the reins in Pittsburgh next season?

Aaron Rodgers will have his last dance in 2026, making this his final chance to win another Super Bowl ring. While many are enjoying the opportunity to have him for this season, others are already looking a little further ahead: who will be the starting quarterback in 2027?

It is clear that the recent selections of Will Howard and Drew Allar in the last two drafts are a strong indication of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ search for a future franchise quarterback. The development of both players under the wing of Rodgers, combined with Mason Rudolph’s experience on the depth chart, could be extremely beneficial for Mike McCarthy and his staff.

Opportunities to learn from Rodgers

The masterclass kicks off right now on the field with OTAs (running in blocks from May 18–21, May 26–29, and June 8–12), where Howard and Allar can study how Rodgers commands the huddle, messes with defenses during 7-on-7 drills, and uses his legendary hard count.

Then things pick up with Mandatory Minicamp (June 2–4), a high-intensity stretch under Mike McCarthy that will really test their mental speed. Finally, the real grind happens at Training Camp starting in late July. That’s where the young QBs can watch firsthand how a four-time MVP breaks down film, reads complex coverages, and prepares his mind and body for his 22nd and final NFL season.

“Last year, Will Howard copied a lot from Aaron Rodgers, such as his snap cadence. This year? It looks like the Ohio State product — and today’s Steelers QB2 — is adopting his Mario Mushroom celebration,” the insider Brendan Howe revealed con X.

The presence of Rodgers at the Steelers facilities carries significant weight. In fact, he continues to amaze his own teammates, as Chris Boswell reflected in a conversation with the media: “It can only be good.”

Will Howard is entering his second year in the NFL, and now the recently drafted Drew Allar has also joined this quarterback room. Both players have plenty to learn from A-Rod in what could potentially be his final season as a professional player.

Experience and youth as backups for Aaron Rodgers

With Aaron Rodgers officially back for the 2026 season, the battle for the backup spots in Pittsburgh is underway. Veteran Mason Rudolph brings proven NFL experience, while the youth movement features Will Howard (a 2025 sixth-round pick) and rookie Drew Allar (a 2026 third-round selection).

As OTAs already begun this week, Will Howard has surprisingly emerged as the projected QB2, taking reps directly behind Rodgers. This leaves Rudolph relegated to QB3 and highly vulnerable to being traded or released before the regular season, as the franchise shifts its focus toward developing its two young signal-callers.

Steelers, McCarthy are already preparing for what’s ahead

Following the recent schedule release, head coach Mike McCarthy and the Pittsburgh Steelers face an immediate test to open the 2026 NFL regular season. The team kicks off the campaign at Acrisure Stadium in Week 1 (Sept. 13) against a hungry Atlanta Falcons squad, marking a rare home opener for the franchise.

The Black and Gold will then hit the road in Week 2 (Sept. 20) for a tough conference battle at Gillette Stadium against the New England Patriots. Finally, McCarthy gets his first taste of intense divisional rivalry in Week 3 (Sept. 27), when the Steelers return home to host the Cincinnati Bengals in a crucial, early-season AFC North showdown.

“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.

Speaking during “The Arena – Underdog” show on May 1, Bayless pointed to a concerning trend in Rodgers’ efficiency metrics over the last few seasons. He noted that while his QBR has seen marginal improvements, the numbers still place him in the bottom tier of the NFL, and the Steelers could’ve been building around him despite these glaring decline signals.

Bayless was particularly critical of the quarterback’s recent postseason performance, noting that Rodgers struggled immensely in a 30-6 home playoff loss. “He’s washed. And I’m going to say it again,” Bayless declared, emphasizing that a QBR of 15 and a crucial sack-fumble early in the fourth quarter essentially “broke the game open” for the opposition.

Will Howard: A “big boy” ready to lead the Steelers

The analyst shifted his praise toward rookie Will Howard, highlighting his championship pedigree and physical stature as reasons for optimism in Pittsburgh. Bayless mentioned he has “always liked” Howard, specifically citing his time at Ohio State where he led college football in QBR and proved he could manage elite offensive weapons effectively.

When comparing physical profiles, Bayless argued that Howard is just as imposing as other prospects, standing at 6’4″ and 235 pounds. “I keep hearing Drew Allar’s a big boy… Will Howard’s 6’4 235. So, he’s a big boy, too, right?” Bayless asked rhetorically, indicating he would choose Howard’s potential and size over the current veteran path.

During his college career, Howard threw for nearly 10,000 yards and over 80 touchdowns, showcasing a strong arm capability that Rodgers possessed during his own standout years at Cal. While Rodgers was a precision passer with a high completion percentage in college, Howard’s recent 2025 national championship run gives him a winning momentum that Bayless finds irresistible.

Speaking on his podcast Footbahlin, the former Steelers quarterback offered a candid assessment of the pick and what it could mean for the team’s quarterback room.

“This is one that I’m not sure yet if I love it or hate it. You can get a lot of really good players in the third round. I don’t think this was done because they know anything about Aaron. I think it was a: ‘We liked a big physical quarterback.’ I think he had a lot of hype behind him at one point. I don’t watch a lot of Penn State games. When I did watch, he never jumped off the page to me. Is he big? Can he move? Can he throw? Yeah, but there was never a time when I was like ‘Whoa.’ We’ll see about this one.”

Ben Roethlisberger prefers Will Howard over Drew Allar

Ben Roethlisberger also made it clear that, based on what he’s seen, Will Howard may currently have the edge. Despite being a sixth-round pick, Howard has made a stronger impression in his view.

“Will was a sixth-rounder. This is a third-rounder. I think this will push Will. When I watch tape, or if I watch games, Will Howard jumped off the tape to me way more than Drew did.”

That dynamic is exactly what the Steelers appear to be setting up. With uncertainty still surrounding the future at quarterback thanks to Aaron Rodgers, they are creating an environment where performance, not draft position, will ultimately decide roles.

Will Howard recently offered a unique perspective on the situation, revealing that he has remained in close contact with Rodgers throughout the process. Speaking to TribLIVE, Howard said: “I’m good friends with Aaron. We stay in touch. I try to talk to him as regularly as I can and keep up with him as a friend, and be here for him if he wants to talk. I’m sure he’ll make a decision when he’s ready.”

Howard’s comments add a personal layer to what has otherwise been a slow-moving decision. Rather than focusing strictly on football, the young quarterback emphasized support and patience, reinforcing the idea that the Super Bowl champion quarterback is operating entirely on his own timeline.

Will Howard or Aaron Rodgers for the Steelers?

While the tone inside the locker room appears calm, the broader reality for the Steelers remains uncertain. They don’t have a definitive answer from Rodgers, and that lack of resolution continues to shape offseason planning. The 2026 Draft is imminent in Pittsburgh.

At this stage, the Steelers’ quarterback room includes Howard and Mason Rudolph, a group that raises questions about the team’s ceiling if Rodgers ultimately chooses not to sign. The longer the decision stretches, the more attention remains fixed on the veteran quarterback.

For now, all signs point to patience. Howard’s insight suggests that communication remains open, but the final call rests solely with Rodgers, and the Steelers can do little more than wait.

“The Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on his future and there is no expectation of a final decision prior to the NFL Draft,” as reported by NFL Network’s insider Ian Rapoport.

It looks like Rodgers is ignoring the Steelers’ ideal deadline ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Heading into the Draft with little certainties around the future of their franchise quarterback, the Steelers could be out in the dark.

Does selecting another quarterback with a late-round selection make sense for Pittsburgh? Reports suggest the Steelers are eyeing Carson Beck, yet re-signing A-Rod is the top priority. The organization’s decision-making in the upcoming Draft could paint a clear picture on just how confident they are that Rodgers will return.

Howard is temporary QB1

Aaron Rodgers is not expected in attendance as the Steelers’ 2026 minicamp is underway in the City of Bridges. With Rodgers out of the picture, it’s Howard—entering his second NFL season after winning the 2024 National Championship with the Ohio State Buckeyes—who is taking over as the starting quarterback.

It goes without saying, but Howard is virtually keeping Rodgers’ seat warm as the future Hall of Fame member makes up his mind. Pittsburgh remains confident Rodgers will be back for the 2026 campaign.

Could Steelers start Howard?

However, if a wrench is thrown in the Steelers’ works, McCarthy will have to take on his first year in The Burgh with an unproven quarterback room. McCarthy has spoken highly of Howard.

Still, praising a sophomore quarterback during the offseason is one thing; putting a reputation on the line by naming him the starter is quite another. Most likely, if Rodgers steps away, the Steelers will go on a late shopping spree for a quarterback.

Steelers QB depth chart

With Rodgers’ future still up in the air, the Steelers’ quarterback room is filled with uncertainty. As it stands, there are only two quarterbacks in Pittsburgh: Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. The Steelers could add another option through the draft, but it might send the wrong message regarding where things stand with Rodgers.

Moreover, the current quarterback room is in need of an experienced veteran leader rather than another young signal-caller. In more ways than one, confirmation of Rodgers’ return is all McCarthy and the Steelers need right now.

Unfortunately for the anxious fanbase in Pittsburgh, such an announcement will reportedly have to wait until after the draft. That means another cloud of suspense will hang over the Steelers during the upcoming draft weekend.

“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.

According to a report from Judy Battista, the Steelers are very optimistic about Will Howard and want to see what they can get out of him moving forward. “As for the long-term plan, they really like Will Howard, their sixth-round draft pick last season. Mike McCarthy wants to work with him. The Steelers want to see what they can get out of Howard.”

All of this becomes even more intriguing when considering the current situation involving Aaron Rodgers. There has been speculation about a possible one-year return in 2026, a scenario that would clearly represent a short-term approach for a franchise still trying to stabilize the quarterback position.

How Aaron Rogers’ retirement decision impacts Steelers QB situation

If Aaron Rodgers does return for one final season trying to chase a Super Bowl, it would likely serve as a bridge. And if that is the case, evaluating Howard now becomes even more critical. The Steelers would need to determine whether he can develop into a viable long-term option or whether the organization must continue the search for the next franchise cornerstone.

The urgency is amplified by the competitive landscape of the AFC, where elite quarterback play often defines postseason success. The names are stellar: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow. Waiting too long to identify a long-term answer could leave Pittsburgh behind.

For McCarthy, working closely with Howard offers a chance to mold a young passer within his offensive system rather than relying solely on veteran stopgaps. He’s been known as great quarterback whisperer working with stars like Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott. For the Steelers, it could quietly signal the beginning of a transition. One that prioritizes internal development over temporary fixes.

Whether Rodgers ultimately returns or not, the coming months represent a pivotal stretch for Pittsburgh’s quarterback future. If Will Howard shows he can handle a larger role, the Steelers’ long-term answer may already be in the building.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network revealed that Mike McCarthy was a huge fan of Will Howard coming out of last year’s NFL Draft. Howard was selected in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers and sat behind Rodgers during this season. Howard also dealt with some injuries along the way.

According to Pelissero, McCarthy “liked Will Howard a lot.” Still, Howard didn’t play at all during his rookie year. He was QB3 at best under Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. The quarterback is 6-foot-3 and is a Pennsylvania native, being born in West Chester, which is a four-hour-and-a-half drive away from Pittsburgh.

Howard was a star in College Football

Howard played five years at the collegiate level, he is seasoned. His first four years were at Kansas State in the Big 12, then he transferred to Ohio State for the 2024 season. He guided the Buckeyes to a National Championship putting absurd numbers in the process.

Howard threw for 4,010 yards while completing 73% of his passes and sent 35 touchdowns. He led the Big Ten in all three of those categories. Howard has good size and toughness. However, he is seen more as a proficient game manager more than a playmaker. While he showed good poise, his arm strength is not the best. He is a polarizing prospect for sure, but McCarthy seems to like him, and the QB learned from Rodgers throughout 2025.

Rodgers might come back

It seems like we’re in for another offseason drama regarding Aaron Rodgers. All points signaled to retirement, but Mike McCarthy’s hiring could delay that decision. It remains to be seen what will happen, but having the 21st pick in the draft, it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to draft a big-time prospect, though it’s in the NCAAF where Rodgers’ replacement may be. So, for the meantime, it’s either Rodgers or Howard.