Steelers' Mike McCarthy's Bold Investment In Will Howard's Future In Pittsburgh Exposed

When the Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision to draft Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many pundits viewed it as a great value pick for a team in need of a quarterback. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired and Kenny Pickett failed to fully establish himself, Pittsburgh has been searching for a long-term solution under center. Howard arrived with modest expectations, but the Steelers saw in him a raw talent and high ceiling that could develop into the answer they’ve been seeking.

During the 2025 season, Howard had the rare opportunity to learn behind a four-time league MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers taking the field as the starter, Howard was able to observe, study, and practice without the immediate pressure of starting games, an experience that few rookie quarterbacks get in today’s league. This mentorship period allowed him to refine his skills, learn pro-level nuances, and prepare for the moment when the Steelers would fully invest in his development.

The jury is still out on whether Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh, but the new head coach, Mike McCarthy, has made it clear that he sees something special in Howard. 

During the Super Bowl LX pregame coverage, NFL insider Judy Battista revealed that the young QB is currently viewed as the Steelers’ long-term plan at quarterback. With McCarthy’s reputation as a quarterback developer and Howard’s early flashes of potential, Pittsburgh fans have reason to be excited about the future under center. However, the door isn't closed on a possible Rodgers and McCarthy reunion.

"The Steelers have made it clear that the door is wide open for Aaron Rodgers for his return if he decides to play," Battista said via NFL GameDay ahead of Super Bowl LX on Sunday afternoon. "They have not given Rodgers a deadline for a decision, although it is expected that it will come much earlier this offseason than it did last season. It will likely be around this spring."

The Steelers had a great experience with Rodgers, and now the question is whether, at this stage in his career, he wants to return to Pittsburgh under an entirely new situation with McCarthy, the coach he won a Super Bowl with in Green Bay against the Steelers. 

Battista made it clear that McCarthy and Pittsburgh plan to fully invest in Howard, signaling that the second-year quarterback is very much the team’s long-term plan at the position -- at least for now.

"As for the long-term plan, they really like Will Howard, their sixth-round draft pick last season," Battista said. "Mike McCarthy wants to work with him. The Steelers want to see what they can get out of Howard."

Few times in NFL history have quarterbacks drafted in the sixth round gone on to become successful starters, which makes Howard’s path a tough but intriguing one. 

Steelers' Will Howard Carries A Wide Range Of Fan Expectations

If Howard develops into a reliable backup in Pittsburgh, it would already be considered a win for his draft status, but the excitement around him is building quickly in the Steel City, especially with this new offensive-focused regime under McCarthy. 

Fans are starting to see the potential for something special, and while the future is far from certain, the former Ohio State QB is already generating real buzz and hope for Steeler Nation.

Pittsburgh fans are debating what kind of impact Howard could make if given a chance. Some believe he could develop into a long-term starter, while others see him as a reliable backup. Others believe he fell to the sixth round for a reason. Either way, his opportunities in Pittsburgh will be closely watched and analyzed.

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