Rostering efficient quarterbacks is equivalent to having a spare tire on road trips. At times, the burden of preparation outweighs the relief the alternative options provide. But there’s no better feeling than having a replacement on board when needed. And the Pittsburgh Steelers have more than enough QBs for the upcoming season.
But according to Mark Kaboly, there’s a chance second-year gunslinger Will Howard will not make the 53-man roster.
“Regardless of what happens in the preseason, Rudolph and Allar slot in at QB2 and QB3, with Howard as the odd man out,” Kaboly shared.
And honestly, I think that may be the best decision.
Most NFL franchises are joyous when experiencing a surplus of rostered quarterbacks. For others, a crowded depth chart can become a huge distraction. Mike McCarthy’s squad finds itself experiencing the trouble of both worlds.
Initially, the combination of Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Drew Allar under Aaron Rodgers tutelage sounded like a dream scenario. It provides Pittsburgh with a seasoned veteran to work with during McCarthy’s pilot season. In parallel, it offers inexperienced gunslingers on the roster a free residency in QB development. A front-row seat to glean wisdom from an All-Pro doesn’t come often.
And who better to learn from than a future Hall of Famer like Rodgers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers must ensure Aaron Rodgers has a backup while developing a QB for the future
But if everyone is ready to become a student, who will be prepared to take the field this upcoming season?
Currently, Mason Rudolph is the only experienced veteran outside of Aaron Rodgers. And his time on the gridiron does not provide the same comfort. Since 2019, the former third-round pick has spent six seasons in Pittsburgh. He’s been a stable placeholder when injuries occur. Including last season, when he filled in for Rodgers.
At the end of the campaign, Rudolph finished with 310 passing yards, accompanied by two touchdowns. It’s clear Pittsburgh does not expect him to become the guy. But they do need him around as an insurance option.
I expect experience to keep Mason Rudolph out of the hot seat for now. But what does that mean for Pittsburgh’s other QBs? According to Kaboly, it could spell bad news for Will Howard.
“I would keep all four quarterbacks, but the Steelers don’t seem very interested in doing that," Kaboly explained. “McCarthy has never done that in his 18 years as Head Coach”
If McCarthy sticks to his tendencies, it would not be surprising to witness Pittsburgh release a quarterback before they kick off the new campaign. I understand the logic, but it still does not make it easier to watch. Both Howard and Allar were investments Pittsburgh’s front office made during recent drafts. If executives knew they would never reach the gridiron, why waste the draft capital?
We cannot sugarcoat it. Throwing Drew Allar or Will Howard into the mix immediately burns Pittsburgh’s bridge to the future. And without real NFL experience, only one can remain on the roster. Allar is the higher draft pick and bigger investment, so it only stands to reason that Howard would be the odd man out.
For years, Pittsburgh fans yearned to have a capable gunslinger available to lead the offense during the regular season. It’s ironic to witness the possibility of Pittsburgh letting one QB walk. But maybe it’s a positive sign showing the front office finally has the pieces in place for long-term success.
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