2026 Outlook: Steelers Confident 2025 Sixth-Round Pick Is Near Game Readiness
With the much-anticipated return of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers are now in a unique situation. They currently have four quarterbacks: Rodgers, 2018 third-round pick Mason Rudolph, 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, and 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar. There has been speculation about who will be the backup for the Four-time NFL MVP quarterback and who the Steelers will cut. With Rodgers announcing that he’ll retire after the 2026 season, the team also needs to think about its future at the quarterback position.
Howard was making a good impression during the 2025 offseason. Unfortunately, he suffered a hand injury during training camp that forced him to miss the entire preseason. He returned to practice later in the regular season, taking reps behind Rodgers and Rudolph. The veteran Future Hall of Fame signal-caller mentored Howard throughout the 2025 season. Even though he still hasn’t played in an NFL game, the 24-year-old has been gaining more support from inside the organization. NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported, “The Steelers felt like Howard became comfortable in his own skin last year, and through his practice reps, there was a growing sense that everything was slowing down for him, and he was becoming increasingly game-ready.”
Steeler Nation’s Anthony G. Halkias II notes, “Howard’s ability to communicate, stay composed, and carry himself like an established player has already generated far more intrigue than most sixth-round picks would typically receive.” Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo shared his thoughts on the former Buckeye. He explained, “I am intrigued by Will Howard because the Steelers are intrigued by him. I liked what I saw last season, and I touched on it a little bit. His command of the huddle was almost a veteran presence as a rookie. I was really impressed by that. I am intrigued by that.”
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is one of Howard’s supporters. According to La Canfora, one team official said, “Mike loves him, absolutely loves him. He started earning his trust right away. He fits what Mike wants to do. He has ideal size, and the kid is really tough.” McCarthy spoke about Howard on Wednesday, saying, “He’s wired the right way.” He elaborated, “He has excellent wiring. He’s a lot more athletic than I realized in his lower half. He’s doing a hell of a job. He’s having a really good offseason.”
La Canfora believes that the former Buckeye would have gotten a chance to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback if Rodgers hadn’t returned. The NFL insider stated, “McCarthy was going to throw himself into the task of seeing if Howard could start games for Pittsburgh in 2026.” It’s clear that the Steelers saw enough potential in the 24-year-old to keep developing him. It will be interesting to see how their quarterback situation continues to play out and how Howard factors into their future.
