Will Howard could be one step away from being the Steelers’ starting quarterback after details surface at 2026 NFL Combine
If the Steelers don’t get their top option at quarterback, they seem to have a contingency plan, and his name is Will Howard.
The Pittsburgh Steelers remain one of the most heavily discussed franchises in the NFL right now. Some of that is the power of the brand and the dawn of the post-Mike Tomlin era, but much of the spotlight falls on the quarterback position.
As we have reported in recent weeks, and as Omar Khan suggested during his podium session at last week’s NFL Scouting Combine, the Steelers want Aaron Rodgers back, and they are willing to wait. But what happens if Rodgers doesn’t want to come back? Where do the Steelers go from there? They may have a clear path after the combine.
Steelers may name Will Howard the starting quarterback if Aaron Rodgers retires or leaves
Every year, the combine is a walking, talking rumor mill. Some of those rumors turn out to be true, as most of the league’s personnel and player representation are gathered in a confined space for an entire week. We at A to Z Sports reported on many of the biggest names in free agency, but Matthew Berry of NBC Sports shared some intel on Will Howard and the Steelers’ plans at quarterback.
“And this should have been in the QB section, but that was already too long so since we are talking the Steelers, I thought this was interesting. I was told they want Aaron Rodgers to return and be their starter this year, but if for some reason, that doesn’t happen, Pittsburgh loves Will Howard. They would more likely start Howard for the year rather than paying one of the Kyler/Geno batch of guys.” –Berry, NBC Sports
Should the Steelers feel comfortable with Will Howard as their starting quarterback in 2026?
I understand the hype surrounding Howard. The last time he was on a football field in a competitive game, he won the College Football National Championship for the Ohio State Buckeyes, capping off a magical run with stellar quarterback play.
However, he also went in the sixth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He then tore a ligament in his throwing hand in training camp, placing him on IR and essentially redshirting his rookie season. So he may be great in the NFL. But we have no evidence, no data to suggest that yet, meaning it will be a risky proposition nonetheless.
Will Howard training with presumptive No.1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza
The last two national champions at quarterback seem to share an offseason quarterback coach and have been getting in work this week. Fernando Mendoza is believed to be one of the cleaner prospects in a while, and both are viewed as intellects at the position, so getting in work never hurts.
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