The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the more interesting quarterback battles that is going to be taking place during training camp ahead of the 2026 season. Second-year quarterback Will Howard is looking to land the team's backup job, and he is competing with veteran Mason Rudolph. Rookie Drew Allar could also get in the mix, but reports have indicated that the organization kind of views 2026 as a redshirt year for the third-round pick. The main battle for the backup job will come down to Howard versus Rudolph, and the odd man out might lose their spot on the final roster.
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Steelers' quarterbacks Will Howard (left) and Mason Rudolph (right) during voluntary minicamp on April 21, 2026.
Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Allar both are locks to make the final roster, Meanwhile, that is not the case for Howard and Rudolph. There is a world where the Steelers could keep all four quarterbacks, but teams usually keep three on the final roster. There are also loopholes that could be used, such as placing one of them on injured reserve or stashing them on the practice squad. Utilizing the practice squad comes with a risk as another team could come along and steal them.
Beat writer Mike DeFabo was asked about how the quarterback room might shake out during a recent mailbag for The Athletic, and he thinks that Howard has a leg up on Rudolph.
"The more I think about this, it’s not necessarily a competition between Rudolph and Howard," DeFabo wrote. "It’s an evaluation to determine if Howard is ready to be QB2, even if Rudolph is objectively more prepared or better by the end of camp. I sense that McCarthy would want to bet on himself and his ability to develop a young passer, thereby keeping Howard. Until they play some preseason games, however, it’s hard to truly know. The team probably doesn’t even know yet, but I bet they’ll give Howard the benefit of the doubt if it’s close."
The Steelers already know what they have in Rudolph. He has proven time and time again that he is a career backup, and he has been very inconsistent when he has had chances to start. If Howard can show throughout training camp and the preseason that he can make high-level throws and perform well in game situations, he should be able to win the backup job.
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Steelers' Mike McCarthy talks with former players Ryan Shazier and Joey Porter Sr. at his introductory press conference.
Another factor to consider is Mike McCarthy's reputation as a "QB Guru." The head coach has a great reputation when it comes to working with quarterbacks throughout his career. DeFabo points out that this could be a reason to hand the backup role to Howard over Rudolph, as McCarthy probably believes in his own abilities to develop the quarterback into a high-level backup, or maybe even a starter.
There is a chance that Pittsburgh will try to keep all four quarterbacks on the roster; however, that isn't very likely. The Steelers could try to trade Rudolph, but he would more than likely be released so that he could pick his next destination.
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Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Will Face One Big Issue By Parting Ways With Mason Rudolph
Rudolph's experience is valuable, especially as a backup. Rodgers is 42-years-old and he already has trouble moving around in the backfield. If he goes down, like he did in 2025, the Steelers could find themselves relying on a quarterback who has never set foot on an NFL field during a meaningful game. Keeping Rudolph around ensures that does not happen. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to get Howard some meaningful experience, and it could help the franchise in the long run, but heading into the season with only one quarterback on the roster with actual experience is a risky move.
What do you think of these thoughts from DeFabo? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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