Update On Steelers' Will Howard Shuts Down Popular Theory About 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This pick was viewed as a very low-risk gamble, but many pundits speculated that there was a clear reason Howard fell into the sixth round. While not everyone is convinced, many Steelers fans are eager to see Howard get a chance in the 2026 season.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo went on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday to share what he believes the chances are of Howard starting in Week 1 of the 2026 season. His comments also offered insight into the likelihood that Howard will see significant playing time at all in 2026. Pittsburgh has Mason Rudolph on the roster, and there’s also the possibility of Aaron Rodgers returning. Of course, no one truly knows what Rodgers' plans are, but if he doesn’t come back for the 2026 season, Pittsburgh will not be heading into the year with just Rudolph and Howard alone.

Fittipaldo believes Pittsburgh’s new regime, led by Mike McCarthy, is very high on Howard, but not yet sold that he is ready to be a starter. The team appears willing to give him opportunities to compete and develop, but they are also likely to explore additional options at quarterback via free agency or trade. Howard’s path to meaningful playing time in 2026 will depend on both his performance in training camp and how the Steelers address their quarterback depth.

"No, they would not," Fittipaldo said. "It would not be good for Will Howard in the short- or long-term. I think you need to have someone with some experience come in and be that guy. They can be as high on Will Howard as they want, and they are, but you just aren’t going to put a guy in that position with zero NFL experience in that spot. That would not serve Pittsburgh well, and that would not serve him well."

It isn’t clear which quarterback Pittsburgh would target via trade or in free agency. Many fans want the Steelers to go after Malik Willis, but that seems like a very big gamble and somewhat far-fetched. 

It doesn’t appear to be a serious consideration at this point, though if an opportunity arises and makes sense, the team might take a swing. Fittipaldo does believe that if Rodgers doesn’t return, Pittsburgh will bring in an interesting new quarterback.

"Like I said, whether it is a trade target or a free agent, they would get somebody else in here to compete for that job with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard," Fittipaldo explained. "They would not just leave it up to Mason and Will."

All eyes are going to be on Rodgers’ decision this offseason, and how that shakes out will largely shape the Steelers’ quarterback plans. Most fans have warmed up to Rodgers and wouldn’t hate the team adding him back, but it’s also clear that at this stage in his career, his peak performance window will be limited. 

Steelers Are Carefully Evaluating All Decisions At QB

Many Pittsburgh fans are ready to start thinking about the future, preferring to draft and develop a quarterback rather than rely solely on a veteran stopgap. There’s more belief in Howard than most sixth-round picks, but expecting him to become the next Tom Brady would be unrealistic. 

The Steelers don’t need that. They just need him to become an above-average starter, and with his mental makeup, Howard has the tools to develop into exactly that. Fittipaldo believes the new regime is high on Howard, but wants to give him time to grow while keeping all options open, meaning the 2026 quarterback picture in Pittsburgh will be one of careful evaluation rather than rushed decisions.

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