Aaron Rodgers' return has understandably garnered almost all of the attention heading into the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 organized team activities (OTAs). However, he reportedly might not be considered the most important quarterback in the building, because Will Howard is making a legitimate claim for that title.
Of course, it's extremely early, but Howard opened the Steelers' spring practice schedule as the No. 2 option on the depth chart. He currently has the inside track to being Rodgers' backup for the upcoming NFL campaign, and perhaps much more, according to FanSided's Jason La Canfora.
La Canfora highlighted how Howard has made a strong impression on members of the Steelers organization, specifically new head coach Mike McCarthy.
"As to what McCarthy sees in [Howard]: 'Mike loves him, absolutely loves him,' said one team official," La Canfora wrote. "He started earning his trust right away. He fits what Mike wants to do. He has ideal size and the kid is really tough."
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ growing belief in Will Howard is becoming impossible to ignore
By the sound of it, Howard is quietly becoming as much of a central figure internally as Rodgers. The 2025 sixth-round pick has garnered praise for his "natural leadership qualities," "exceptional football IQ" and "great anticipation and vision," per La Canfora.
Howard, who turns 25 in September, is apparently wise beyond his years, so much so that "the veterans love him," La Canfora stated. The former Ohio State star has the frame (6-foot-4, 236 pounds) to develop into the Steelers' long-term passer.
McCarthy was "going to throw himself into the task of seeing if Howard could start games for Pittsburgh" this season if Rodgers' situation dragged out. Yet, La Canfora doesn't rule out the Steelers making a QB change if they fall out of contention or the 42-year-old veteran breaks down. That's an interesting snippet, to say the least.
Either way, Rodgers' well-chronicled familiarity with McCarthy from their decade-plus together with the Green Bay Packers makes way for others to soak up valuable reps. La Canfora anticipates "Howard to get the bulk" of the work, though reserve signal-caller Mason Rudolph and rookie Drew Allar will factor into the mix.
Many have wondered why the Steelers were comfortable waiting for Rodgers to decide whether he'd come back, and rightfully so. They had other chances to address the single most important position in the game via free agency or the draft. Nevertheless, the growing belief in Howard explains why the club held firm.
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