The Pittsburgh Steelers' most recent quarterback update will definitely surprise you.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently waiting for Aaron Rodgers to determine whether or not he will return in 2026, but what if Rodgers decides to retire?
This NFL Draft class is very thin at the quarterback position, which obviously complicates things for the Steelers. Pittsburgh could go out and land a veteran in free agency or on the trade market, but evidently, it doesn't seem all that interested in doing so.
So, what is the Steelers' strategy in the event that Rodgers chooses to call it quits? Matthew Berry of NBC Sports has provided an update on the squad in that regard, and it may shock you.
"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," Berry wrote. "They would more likely start Howard for the year rather than paying one of the Kyler [Murray]/Geno [Smith] batch of guys."
The Steelers selected Howard in the sixth round of the NFL Draft last spring. Howard didn't play at all during his rookie campaign, but Pittsburgh seems enamored with him.
How true is that? Who knows.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.It's very possible that the Steelers are throwing up a smokescreen when it comes to their situation under center, because it seems rather hard to believe they would roll with a sixth-round pick who doesn't have a shred of NFL playing experience.
Yes, Howard led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship during his final collegiate campaign, and he looked awfully impressive in doing so. But just about everyone had him tabbed as a backup on the professional level even then.
That being said, there really aren't many enticing options for the Steelers (or any clubs) when it comes to signal-callers this offseason.
Pittsburgh's best bet is probably to try and draft someone like Penn State's Drew Allar next month and hope that his raw talent translates in the NFL.
Otherwise, if Rodgers retires, the Steelers will be forced to settle for a rather unappealing veteran option ... or Howard.
I still don't think Pittsburgh is seriously considering Howard to be its starter in 2026, but stranger things have happened.
Steelers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Steelers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.