Steelers' Will Howard Makes Bold Statement As Aaron Rodgers Makes Decision: "I Can Be The Guy"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in a weird spot when it comes to the quarterback position. This has been the case over the last several seasons, and the trend has continued on into the 2026 offseason. The franchise is still waiting to find out if veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is interested in extending his playing career and, if he isn't, there is a chance that second-year quarterback Will Howard could get a chance to be the starter. Howard has some strong fans rooting for him in Pittsburgh, but the sixth-round pick is going to have to earn his shot to play consistently.

The Steelers' best option when it comes to a starting quarterback for the 2026 season is Rodgers, but the fans do want to see what the organization has in Howard. Many thought he would go before the sixth round in the 2025 NFL Draft after winning the National Championship, but he fell to the Steelers. 

Coaches and executives have all spoken highly of him, and he split reps with Mason Rudolph as QB1 for the Steelers during voluntary minicamp. The young quarterback joined his teammate Cam Heyward on Not Just Football for a draft show, and he had some bold takes about his abilities.

"I don't know what Aaron's gonna do, if he wants to come back." Howard said. "I'd be more than happy to spend another year learning from him. But if he doesn't, I'm ready. I'm just excited this year to be able to show the city and to show my teammates and everybody within the organization that I can be the guy that they can lean on, and that I can be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doesn't matter if I was taken in the sixth round. That stuff doesn't matter. All you need is a chance. All you need is a foot in the door and an opportunity, and I want to take that and run with it. We're going for world championships. I want to win a Super Bowl."

There are certainly some fans that want to see Howard get a shot to start, and the quarterback believes he has the ability to do so. He is inviting to the idea of spending another season learning under Rodgers, but he also wants to get on the field.

If the season were to start tomorrow, it is fair to assume that Howard would be the starter. The coaches would probably want to give him a chance, and the organization already knows what it has in Rudolph. He is a proven backup, while Howard still has some untapped potential.

Howard made his intentions in Pittsburgh clear. He wants to get a chance to start, and he wants to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the city. That is something all fans want to see. If Rodgers does not return to the Steelers for the 2026 season, Howard should be under center for Pittsburgh. His teammates seem to believe in him.

Steelers’ Howard Has Received Praise From Aaron Rodgers

One person that is a fan of Howard is Rodgers. The future Hall Of Famer has not minced his words when talking about the young quarterback. He seems to have high hopes for his future, and he was doing everything he could during the 2025 season to help Howard. He has been passing down knowledge and advice, and the young quarterback has been a sponge as he has tried to soak up every piece of wisdom from Rodgers.

The Steelers are going to have one of the more interesting quarterback rooms in football in 2026, and Howard getting the nod to start would only add to that.

What do you think about Howard's comments about his future as a starter? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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