Ben Roethlisberger Knows Exactly Who The Steelers' Starting Quarterback Should Be In 2026 If Aaron Rodgers Does Not Return

The Pittsburgh Steelers and future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a storybook connection that you'll rarely see in today's NFL. Roethlisberger spent his entire career with the Steelers, leading them to two Super Bowl victories. Even New England Patriots legend Tom Brady, who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots, ended his career elsewhere, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterbacks spending all or even the majority of their career with one team is a rarity now, but the Steelers will have the chance to find their quarterback of the future once again this offseason.

The Steelers brought in another future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who spent 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, before two seasons with the New York Jets, prior to his time with the Steelers. Rodgers was an effective quarterback in Pittsburgh, leading the Black and Gold to a AFC North title. However, the 42-year-old quarterback is not the long-term answer.

Roethlisberger gave his thoughts regarding the Steelers' future at the quarterback position on his podcast this week.

"If Aaron retires, Will [Howard] should start and a vet minimum QB like Carson Wentz should be brought in," Roethlisberger shared.

When you think about the future of the Steelers, Will Howard is often overlooked. He was drafted in the sixth-round, but Howard is not your ordinary Day 3 pick. Howard is a National Champion, winning the title game with Ohio State last season, just months before the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite being a late-round draft pick, Howard has invaluable big-game experience, and also had a year to sit behind Rodgers and gain valuable mentorship from the future first ballot Hall of Fame quarterback.

While Howard may not be the most flashy name, there is another sixth-round pick who's had success at the quarterback position before. After all, Brady was selected with the 199th pick in the sixth-round of the 2000 NFL Draft. While Brady is an extremely high bar for Howard, the Steelers will take anything they can get from him. Howard provides upside for a sixth-round pick with practically no downside, as he has a four-year contract for $4.45 million, with only $248,000 in guaranteed money.

There is still a chance Rodgers returns to the Steelers, as he has not announced his plans for the upcoming season. What we do know, however, is how close Rodgers was to the former Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin. While it is still possible that Rodgers wants to continue his Hall of Fame career, it is unclear whether he would want to be back with the Steelers under a new coach, whether the new coach would want him, or whether to go in another direction.

Will Howard Provides Steelers With Hope For Future

The only known thing about the Steelers' future is that change is coming. With a new head coach who is sure to bring in a new coaching staff, the Steelers are heading into uncharted waters for the first time in nearly two decades, as Tomlin spent 19 years as head coach of the Steelers. In this possible rebuilding phase, Howard can provide Steelers fans with a young quarterback with upside. 

The jury is still out on his ability to play quarterback at the NFL level due to the lack of opportunity that he's had, sitting behind Rodgers.

Roethlisberger's comments about bringing in a veteran quarterback behind Howard are significant as well. Not only would a quarterback like a Carson Wentz provide further mentorship to Howard, but in case Howard struggles, Wentz would be a fine backup to plug in for a few spot starts. The Steelers are most likely not going to be contending for a Super Bowl, and if Howard struggles as well, there's a good chance they'll have a very good draft pick in a stacked 2027 NFL Draft.

Who do you want the Steelers' quarterback to be next season? Comment below!

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