Steelers' Cam Heyward Delivers Confident Statement On Will Howard And The Direction Of Pittsburgh's Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers' extremely busy offseason has slowed down a bit in the last few weeks. As the team gets closer to hosting the 2026 NFL Draft, General Manager Omar Khan and the rest of the organization have a chance to put a final statement on what has already been a productive offseason. They have been praised for their recent roster additions and one big-name current player really likes where they are as well. 

Defensive lineman Cam Heyward discussed on Friday his full confidence in the direction things are headed in Pittsburgh. He specifically mentioned his faith in quarterback Will Howard, despite the belief that Aaron Rodgers will return to the field in 2026. This was all while speaking with Rich Eisen, as the two continued to discuss the competitor Howard is, as well as how he has battled through adversity his entire football career. 

"Will [Howard] is always going to compete," Heyward said. "Will has always had, you know, the chips stacked against him. And now, you know, he's going to a year where there's uncertainty. Why not insulate? Why not have some other guys that build out your roster? That way you can look at it and say whoever takes over this job is going to have weapons, is going to have more pieces."

Insulating is exactly what the front office has done so far this offseason. They quickly needed a cornerback to replace James Pierre, who had a career year in 2025, as he left for the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. The team moved fast to go out and sign Jamel Dean, who was also very reliable in 2025 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was also noted the team may take a safety in the draft, but they added that piece in free agency as well in Jaquan Brisker. 

The Steelers are stuck in a nearly decade-long playoff win drought that is hanging over their heads like a black cloud. While the team is still winning and making the postseason consistently, they are not seeing the successes of their past. Given the roster moves already made, however, the front office is very aware of it and have moved in a calculated manner this offseason.

The franchise also has the most amount of picks in the upcoming draft with 12 overall, as well as three in the third round. Given the draft capital on top of their excellent flurry of offseason moves, they have the flexibility to take who they believe is the best available player when they are on the clock, rather than selecting a player just to fill a position.

Steelers' Future Is Bright Heading Into 2026 And Beyond

While the team is still awaiting an official decision from Rodgers, he most likely will not return beyond the 2026 season, meaning they will need to figure out who their next franchise quarterback will be. Given Howard's success at the college level, they may look to hand the keys over to him in 2027.

While Howard was a sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft, he would not be the only late-round quarterback drafted to find success in the NFL if it were to happen. Tom Brady is often referred to as the best quarterback of all-time, and he was selected 199th overall in the sixth round back in 2000. Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers was also the final pick of the 2022 draft, giving him the nickname of "Mr. Irrelevant." However, Purdy has already taken San Francisco to a Super Bowl and multiple conference championships.

While Howard probably will not achieve what Brady did, new head coach Mike McCarthy has stated that he likes what Howard has in his game. Even if Rodgers returns in 2026, it would give Howard one more year to learn under an accomplished veteran quarterback before potentially taking over the offense.

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