The Pittsburgh Steelers officially have their new Head Coach, with former Packers and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy being introduced during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. The conversation with reporters quickly shifted to the quarterback position, where McCarthy had plenty to say.
He started by making his feelings known about wanting Aaron Rodgers to return in 2026. That is not a surprise whatsoever, considering the two spent 13 years together in Green Bay. It's what he had to say about a different Steelers QB that fans should take note of, however.
McCarthy was asked about how to balance winning now with finding the next franchise QB, and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard received serious love from his new coach.
"I'm really excited about Will Howard." McCarthy said. "I'm anxious to work with him. It would be really great to have Aaron back, but Will and Mason, I'm excited to get started with them."
Will Howard's future seems much brighter after Pittsburgh Steelers introduce Mike McCarthy as their HC
It's still far too early to make any real statements on what McCarthy's comments on Howard really mean, or, more importantly, how much they really matter. Still, they were very complementary for a player yet to play a snap in the NFL.
Howard became a fan favorite during Steelers training camp this past season, as many late-round QB picks tend to do. The visions of a world where the underdog QB climbs the ladder and becomes a surprise star are easy to fall for, but those visions rarely become reality. With Howard, however, there is at least reason to believe he could get a chance to prove himself with McCarthy now in charge.
I don't think McCarthy would bother bringing up Howard in his introductory presser unless he really believes there is something about him that is worth getting excited about. With just himself and Mason Rudolph under contract currently at the QB spot, it's not impossible that he could compete for the starting job in 2026.
Rodgers' potential return clouds that possibility, and adding a different veteran in free agency is on the table as well. But Howard has the benefit of being a young, cost-controlled option that the HC already seems interested in developing. Maybe that just means he is elevated to the No.2 QB spot, or even remains the emergency QB and gets his reps as the scout team passer.
Either way, fans of Howard have to be excited about what McCarthy's comments could mean for him, even if he remains a long shot to become the answer long term.