The Pittsburgh Steelers have pushed off the long-term future of the quarterback position for some time. An attempt was made to find the franchise guy when Kenny Pickett was taken back in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but it failed. Since then, it has essentially been a bunch of patchwork for the offense. This could bleed into 2026 as well, with veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers potentially returning to run it back with the organization. If he doesn't, there are endless possibilities that include internal options, players in the free agency and trade markets, as well as the 2026 NFL Draft that will be held in the Steel City.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers takes a knee and looks off into the distance as the team gets ready to participate during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
The league's fans will finally get a taste of football with the NFL Scouting Combine beginning in Indianapolis. This means that executives and coaches will be around to speak with the media and provide some clarity to respective situations across the NFL. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan always speaks with the press this time of year, and he did so on Tuesday morning.
With Will Howard and Mason Rudolph as the only two current quarterbacks under contract, there is a lot of mystery at the position for Pittsburgh. Khan was very honest when speaking on Tuesday, and he confirmed that he really doesn't even know what the future holds for the team. It really is anybody's guess at this point as to what the approach will be.
"We may have the guy on the roster. We don't know," Khan said. "Will, we're excited to work with Will, but we know it has to be addressed. We're all looking for the same thing. We're just not there yet."
Rudolph has pretty much been tossed aside as a backup, so the real question is if Howard will get a legitimate chance should Rodgers not return. Sixth-round quarterbacks don't typically pan out, unless you're considered the best of all-time. The organization is saying all of the right things about Howard, but it absolutely could be a smokescreen to hide what the true intentions are come the new league year.
Khan acknowledged that the team isn't quite there yet, which would suggest that he plans to do some restructuring to the room. If Rodgers returns, there may not be much to do, but if he doesn't, the Steelers will have some difficult decisions to make. Currently, everything will be determined by the veteran and future Hall of Famer.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to unleash a pass as he runs through a drill as the team works out during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
This cycle for the Steelers has frustrated the fan base, and it could continue and drag into 2027. The class coming out of college is not considered to be strong, which makes things even more complicated. While an update was provided by Khan, it likely didn't inspire much excitement in the Steel City. The goal is to see the general manager put his money where his mouth is and find the perfect long-term solution.
It's evident that this hasn't been found just yet; and it may not be resolved anytime soon. If the franchise truly believes it can be competitive in 2026, then Rodgers' return would be welcomed. Even if that isn't the case, it can't hurt Howard to sit behind and learn from the veteran for one more season. A lot is on the table, but it's very evident that not even the front office knows how it is all going to play out.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks on as the team sets up in front of fans to workout at the annual Friday Night Lights training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Will Still Be Scouting Quarterbacks In The Next Few Weeks
Despite not truly knowing how everything is going to develop for Pittsburgh, Khan and co. will certainly keep an eye on some prospects that could have some mid-to-late round value. With over 10 projected selections, it seems silly to not at least try to pick a guy that could be a diamond in the rough. If Howard is believed to be that guy, he is not going to win the job in the future without some competition.
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