Former Steelers Quarterback Gives Unique Perspective About Mike McCarthy's Recent Comments Regarding Will Howard

The Pittsburgh Steelers ushered in their first coach in nearly two decades on Tuesday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium. The organization named Mike McCarthy as their lead man in a press conference, just their fourth coach in nearly 60 years. McCarthy has ties to the 2025 quarterback of the Steelers, Aaron Rodgers, and has not ruled out a return to Pittsburgh for Rodgers. McCarthy also has gone on record to say that he does feel excited to be joining quarterback Will Howard as well in Pittsburgh. While the Steelers expect a discussion with Rodgers soon, one former Steelers player had an interesting comment on the entire situation.

Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch appeared on the Footbahlin podcast with fellow former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Tuesday and offered up an intriguing answer to Pittsburgh's current quarterback situation ahead of the 2026 season. 

Batch mentioned that he thinks there is an underlying reason as to why McCarthy hyped up Howard with the Rodgers rumors still sizzling. While this is just a hypothetical statement from Batch, it may make plenty of sense for the Steelers and McCarthy. Steelers fans should take notice.

"You hype Will Howard up because if you want Aaron back, you want him around the same [contract] you got him at last year," Batch said.

Rodgers' contract with the Steelers in 2025 was just for one year, worth $13.6 million, with $10 million guaranteed. Rodgers threw for 3,322 with 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions in 2025 with the Steelers. This was actually a regression compared to Rodgers' 2024 campaign with the New York Jets, where he threw for 3,897 yards along with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rodgers did however miss a game and a half with a wrist injury back in late November.

Howard did not see time on the field in the regular season in Pittsburgh as a rookie in 2025, mostly due to being behind Mason Rudolph and the four-time NFL MVP Rodgers. Howard did, however, lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024. He was a transfer from Kansas State University before his National Championship season in Columbus. 

In that National Championship year, Howard threw for 4,010 yards with 35 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions.

Steelers' Direction At Quarterback Still Very Unclear

While it is unclear exactly where the Steelers will turn for their signal-caller in 2026 right now, Batch's theory is an intriguing one. It is quite possible following McCarthy's backing of Howard publicly that it was a move to lure Rodgers back to Pittsburgh. 

With that statement, Rodgers could take it as McCarthy feeling the better option is Howard, while gaining leverage for the Steelers in contract talks should Rodgers decide to return to Pittsburgh. While Howard is unproven, he did go out on top in the college football world with one of the more successful programs in the sport in recent years.

It is expected that the Steelers sit down with Rodgers in the next month or so according to Owner and Team President Art Rooney II. If that does happen, the Steelers are likely to get their answer on Rodgers far sooner than they did entering the 2025 season. Rodgers' 2025 contract was not signed until June, with many fans feeling that Rodgers was stringing the Steelers along as they waited on his decision. With McCarthy's apparent excitement around Howard as well as a draft class that is less deeper than initially expected at quarterback in 2026, a quicker decision this year should give the Steelers a firm answer early on in their offseason.

Do you think Batch is right and McCarthy could be trying to lure Rodgers back on a more team-friendly deal? Let us know in the comments below!

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