The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t know who their starting quarterback is going to be during the 2026 NFL season. If Aaron Rodgers decides he wants to play football for one more season, the franchise is willing to welcome him back with open arms.
After all, Rodgers would be reunited with his former head coach, Mike McCarthy, who assumed the role in place of Mike Tomlin this offseason. That alone seems to be swaying Rodgers to return, but it’s not a foregone conclusion as of early March. Regardless of Rodgers’ decision, it sounds like the Steelers believe they have the 42-year-old’s current and future replacement on the roster.
Matthew Berry, the longtime fantasy analyst who has inside connections all around the league, recently published a list of the “35 Most Interesting Things He Heard” at the 2026 NFL Combine. A report from Berry at the combine already drew waves last week, as he revealed that the Tennessee Titans are enamored with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and could pick him as early as No. 4 overall.
Pittsburgh Steelers “love” Will Howard and would start him if Aaron Rodgers retires
But in his list of 35 things, one Steelers nugget stood out. It has to do with Rodgers, but it also has to do with his backup, Will Howard.
“I was told they want Aaron Rodgers to return and be their starter this year, but if for some reason that doesn’t happen, Pittsburgh loves Will Howard. They would more likely start Howard for the year rather than paying one of the Kyler/Geno batch of guys.“
The Steelers drafted Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard was coming off of a National Championship win with the Ohio State Buckeyes in his final collegiate season, and was named the MVP of that game.
Despite having plenty of starting experience and a great final two seasons in college, the NFL didn’t view Howard as a top prospect. But with a year learning from Rodgers under his belt, it seems like the franchise believes they can hand over the reins to Howard whenever necessary.
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