When Aaron Rodgers ultimately signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason, it was a relief after a long, drawn-out process. But everything fell into place, and Rodgers seemed stoked to finally be able to play under head coach Mike Tomlin.
The Arthur Smith-coordinated offense never fully clicked with Rodgers at the helm, culminating in a first round home blowout at the hands of the Houston Texans. Then came the changes, as Tomlin left the team, as did Smith, and Rodgers’ future was uncertain. It was fair to wonder if Rodgers wanted to come back without Tomlin there. Then entered Mike McCarthy.
Rodgers’ longtime head coach with the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy’s connection to the quarterback once again connected the dots for the Steelers franchise. But to this point in the offseason, Rodgers remains without a contract for the 2026 NFL season.
Steelers are high on Will Howard, regardless of Aaron Rodgers’ status
With Rodgers’ status still up in the air, the idea of “next man up” has come across McCarthy’s table. The new head coach has already spoken highly of Will Howard, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard didn’t play last season and would theoretically compete with Mason Rudolph for the non-Rodgers quarterback job. But it sounds like Pittsburgh is higher on Howard than many believe.
Former NFL scout turned media personality John Middlekuaff recently spoke about the Steelers’ quarterback situation. While he believes Rodgers will be back, he sees Howard getting starts in 2026 one way or another.
Will Howard‘s gonna be the backup and Aaron Rodgers is gonna be the starter. And based on a guy being over 40, there is no guarantee [he stays healthy all season]. We just saw last year. He broke his hand… Will Howard is probably gonna get some starts in 2026. I’d be stunned if he doesn’t play.
Whethe Rodgers is back or not, Pittsburgh clearly wants to see what they have in Howard. That would first come with a backup role, but he must beat out Rudolph first to climb the depth chart.
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