The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the many teams in the NFL without a franchise quarterback. If an organization does not have one, it makes it very hard for a team to compete in meaningful football games down the stretch. The Steelers have had a different opening day starter in each of the last five seasons, and that trend could continue into 2026. Aaron Rodgers is still contemplating what to do with his future as retirement seems like a strong option for the four-time league MVP, but he could also come back to Pittsburgh to reunite with his former head coach, Mike McCarthy.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The fan base in Pittsburgh seems to be split on whether or not Rodgers should come back in 2026. Many fans want to see the organization get younger at the position in an attempt to find a franchise guy, but Rodgers did play well in 2025. With some more weapons in 2026, things can go even better. McCarthy has already said he would welcome Rodgers back, but he broke down the quarterback situation a little more during an appearance on ESPN Wisconsin with Wilde And Tausch.
"I'm not naive to the fact that we could be playing with a first-year starter as opposed to a 20 plus year starter." McCarthy said. "That's really how deep each conversation goes when you talk about play design and play entry. Happened this morning in a meeting about a PA play. I said if Aaron is here will run it this way, if it's Will and the young guys we'll run it another way."
McCarthy is well aware that Rodgers coming back is no guarantee, and he seems to be keeping that in mind while putting together an offensive playbook for the 2026 season. The new head coach has spoken before about being a big fan of Will Howard, and he seems to have legitimate excitement surrounding the second-year quarterback.
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Steelers quarterbacks Will Howard, and Aaron Rodgers warm up prior to Pittsburgh's 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL Regular Season.
If Rodgers sign a new deal in Pittsburgh he will obviously be the starter, but it seems like Howard also strongly in consideration to be the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh in 2026. McCarthy didn't hide that at all while answering that question, as he mentioned him by name in regards to how a certain play would be run.
The fan base in Pittsburgh is intrigued by the chances of Howard getting on the field. The young quarterback unfortunately missed the entirety of the preseason in 2025 due to an injury to his thumb, and he didn't see the field at all during the season. He got to learn under Rodgers in the classroom and on the practice field, which should help a young quarterback more than anything else.
It is no guarantee that Howard will be the starter if Rodgers does not return, but it seems like the quarterback will get a good look for the starting job once training camp comes around if Rodgers is not in attendance.
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Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to take a snap as he runs the offense while the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Will Howard Will Have To Brave Some Adversity To Land Starting Role
This is the third straight football season that Howard has had to learn an entirely new offense. His final year in college was that way, and his transition to the NFL was largely focused on learning a new playbook.
The young quarterback will have to go through that process again while also refining his skills and developing as a professional. That is not as easy as it sounds, but the prospect of him potentially being the starter in 2026 is certainly exciting. As of now, it seems like the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh will either be Rodgers or Howard based off of McCarthy's comments.
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