Steelers Remain Extremely Stubborn At QB As Team Won't Deviate From Plan

The Pittsburgh Steelers have left their fan base on the edge of their seats throughout the last two offseasons when it comes to the quarterback position. Both times the situation has revolved around Aaron Rodgers and whether or not he wants to retire. He is still making that decision now as the fans await the news on whether or not he will be coming back for the 2026 season. The only two quarterbacks under contract for the season currently in Pittsburgh are Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, and they could be the backup plan if Rodgers decides not to return to Pittsburgh.

The Steelers seemingly still do not have an answer from Rodgers, despite the fact that most reporters expected to find out the veteran quarterback's future before the start of free agency. Regardless, it seems like the organization has some sort of idea that he will be coming back. The Steelers have been making "win-now" moves throughout the 2026 offseason, and the roster is probably better than it was at this point during the 2025 offseason. 

Beat writer Mark Kaboly was asked about when Pittsburgh might find out about Rodgers during a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan.

"I think originally they thought it was going to be now, before or right after free agency," Kaboly said. "I think they might have pushed their expectations back to before the [2026 NFL Draft]. But they are anticipating him coming back, but if worst comes to worst, they are not going to deviate from the plan of Will Howard or Mason Rudolph being the quarterback next year."

The organization has been nothing but excited about Howard, and that has been the case ever since he was drafted. He performed well when healthy during training camp in 2025, but he suffered a fluke thumb injury while receiving a snap that kept him out of all three preseason games. He also missed a lot of the regular season.

Even though Howard had no opportunity to play during the 2025 season, the coaching staff and organization is excited by his potential. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has spoken highly of the second-year quarterback, and that is nothing to take lightly as McCarthy is considered one of the quarterback experts around the NFL coaching world.

Kaboly mentioned Rudolph and Howard as backup plans to Rodgers, but it has been made obvious by comments from both McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan that Howard will have every opportunity to earn the starting role if Rodgers does not return to Pittsburgh. His name has been mentioned in nearly every presser, and the excitement has not been hidden in the slightest.

Rudolph has the experience to be the starter, but he has proven time and time again that he is nothing more than a career backup. He can spot start for a game or two, but the Steelers likely do not want him starting 17 games heading into the 2026 season.

Steelers Starting Will Howard Is A Win-Win For The Organization

A lot of fans have the mindset that starting Howard would be a win-win for the organization, especially when considering the future. If Howard starts and shows a ton of progress throughout the year, it means Pittsburgh might have found something and could have a franchise quarterback. If Howard's play is not great and he continues to struggle throughout the season while showing no signs of improvement, it probably means the Steelers' draft position would be pretty valuable in the 2027 NFL Draft. 

The event in 2027 is expected to be loaded, so a quarterback and other weapons could be found.

What do you think about the Steelers' plan at quarterback? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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