The excitement surrounding the NFL Draft is not a facade. It is a catalyst that sparks the rollout of the NFL season each year. On Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers held their first press conference featuring the new coaching staff, offering a glimpse into the vision for the upcoming campaign. It was an opportunity for Mike McCarthy’s leaders to set the tone, and few voices carried more intrigue than offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio.
Angelichio’s enthusiasm for Pittsburgh’s offensive rebirth was refreshing. You could feel a sense of belief in his words and confidence that his unit can evolve into something dynamic. However, that excitement came with an obvious omission. He refused to reveal who will be under center when the season begins. But still, he could not deny the importance of the decision.
“Everything goes through the quarterback,” Angelico told reporters.
It is a simple statement, but one that holds an undeniable truth. A strong offensive identity begins with the quarterback position. Without stability and confidence there, everything else becomes harder to execute. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, that reality does not currently work in their favor.
With less than a week remaining before the 2026 NFL Draft, Khan’s front office has yet to solidify a clear leader for the offense.
That uncertainty is why Aaron Rodgers’ decision carries more weight than it should. His situation continues to linger, placing added pressure on Angelico and the coaching staff to prepare for multiple outcomes.
If the 42-year-old veteran does not return, the Steelers will be forced to lean on inexperience. Will Howard and Mason Rudolph both present plausible options, but neither has proven they can consistently lead an NFL offense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback dilemma is a huge roadblock for Brian Angelichio
That makes projecting Pittsburgh’s offensive ceiling a difficult task.
The flashes of brilliance that Rodgers provided last season, including 3,322 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, gave fans something to believe in. Replicating that production, even if he returns, will not be easy at the age of 43.
More importantly, Angelicho’s system changes depending on who is taking the snaps. An experienced quarterback allows for a more expansive approach, one that taps into years of knowledge and advanced play-calling. A younger, developmental player requires patience, structure, and a willingness to grow through mistakes.
Howard and Rudolph may be in the right environment to develop, but development rarely comes without growing pains. Those setbacks could ultimately limit Pittsburgh’s ceiling in the short term.
“It doesn’t matter what the plays are,” Angelicho said. “It’s about the training of the quarterback and the comfort level.”
And currently, Pittsburgh's quarterbacks lack an optimum comfort level. Still, Angelichio understands this does not happen overnight. It is built through reps, live action, and learning from mistakes.
For Howard, it's a promise to show patience to a player who has yet to take his first NFL snap. The concerns about whether he can step in and immediately command the offense are relevant. But Angelichio refuses to hide facts.
The road ahead is not an easy one, especially if Rodgers remains out of the picture. Still, Angelichio is not shying away from the challenge. His confidence in McCarthy’s system and his commitment to developing whoever takes the field are clear.
If Rodgers does not return, Howard or Rudolph must be ready to embrace the moment. The Steelers may be entering a phase where patience is required as they search for their next franchise quarterback. It is not a comfortable place to be, but it is a necessary step forward.
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