The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to make headway toward the kickoff of a highly anticipated season. OTAs began with Aaron Rodgers present and participating. It is a great sight for Steelers fans to finally see their expected starting quarterback working with teammates before the campaign begins. But according to radio host Mark Madden, Rodgers’ appearance may be bad news for second-year quarterback Will Howard.
“Yeah, he’s going to get cut,” Madden stated on 105.9 The X. “I can’t wait till he gets cut. You’re making me hate him.”
The comments immediately sent Steelers fans into debate mode. Some believe Howard is simply a temporary placeholder in a crowded quarterback room. Others still view the former Ohio State Buckeye as a developmental prospect with legitimate upside. Either way, Howard continues to catch strays before truly getting an opportunity to prove himself on an NFL field.
But I can understand where Madden is coming from.
Omar Khan and the Steelers front office invested in quarterbacks during consecutive drafts. A sixth-round selection spent on Howard felt reasonable at the time, especially knowing he was never expected to start immediately. But after aggressively investing a third-round pick in Drew Allar, the future suddenly no longer looks the same. If Pittsburgh truly believed Howard was the long-term answer, why attack the position again so quickly?
That question alone created doubt around Howard before his second season even began.
Sure, the transition into becoming a professional has been quieter than most for the former national champion. Howard spent the majority of his rookie year serving as an understudy to a future Hall of Fame quarterback room. To his detriment, it never required him to take meaningful snaps or complete passes in real action. There was very little room for Howard to prove himself worthy, and the franchise clearly kept his responsibilities limited during Year One.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot make the mistake of trading Will Howard prematurely
But this season feels different.
During the opening days of OTAs, Howard was reportedly seen taking reps with the second-team offense. For many fans, it was a beautiful sight. Steelers supporters have desperately wanted to see what the young quarterback can offer. We already know the physical tools are there. Howard has size, toughness, mobility, and enough arm talent to eventually grow into a starting-caliber player if developed correctly.
Still, for others, the reps felt meaningless. In their minds, it is only delaying the inevitable.
For the first time in years, the Steelers actually possess efficient quarterback depth. Earlier this offseason, Mike McCarthy alluded to Pittsburgh potentially carrying four quarterbacks on the active roster. Considering the uncertainty that has hovered over the position for multiple seasons, that approach honestly makes sense.
The inevitable calls to trade or cut one of Pittsburgh’s young gunslingers should not surprise anyone. But moving on too early could be a catastrophic mistake. Especially if Omar Khan parts ways with the wrong quarterback before allowing the competition to fully develop.
Yes, having both Howard and Allar on the roster creates confusion. It also creates pressure. But truthfully, this is the healthiest foundation Pittsburgh’s quarterback room has had in years.
With Rodgers acting as a mentor, the young quarterbacks around him can absorb information like sponges, preparing for the opportunity to eventually lead the Steelers as QB1. Howard may not be the favorite anymore, and perhaps the odds are stacked against him. But writing him off before he receives a real opportunity feels premature.
Right now, Will Howard is still fighting for his place in Pittsburgh. And honestly, the Steelers would be wise to let that fight play out before making any permanent decisions.
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