As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, veteran Aaron Rodgers appears poised to lead the offense as the team’s primary quarterback in what could mark the conclusion of his illustrious Hall of Fame journey.
Behind him, a notable competition is unfolding for the backup position, pitting 2025 rookie Will Howard against experienced signal-caller Mason Rudolph. This battle carries significant implications for the franchise’s future at the position.
Head coach Mike McCarthy, in his first year with the team, has previously expressed optimism that Howard possesses the potential to develop into the Steelers’ long-term solution under center. That outlook received fresh support recently from quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, who offered glowing remarks about the young player’s progress during spring activities.
“He’s doing everything and more that we can ask of him,” Arth said. “He is exceeding expectations. We couldn’t be happier with where he is at.”
Selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard saw limited opportunities as a newcomer, logging no regular-season game action. The coaching staff that inherited him later added another arm in the draft process, selecting Drew Allar in the third round this year. Observers initially interpreted that move as a sign the organization might be shifting away from Howard, yet current indications suggest Allar is being viewed more as a developmental prospect for seasons ahead.
The Steelers organization is taking a measured approach to assessing Howard’s readiness. While early sessions have shown promise, the real test lies ahead in the more demanding environment of training camp and exhibition games.
“He’s performed well here in OTAs up to this point, but once we get to training camp and into preseason, I think that’s where the true evaluation will start to take place,” Arth added about Howard.
Roster management decisions add another layer of intensity to the situation. Reports indicate the team does not intend to keep four quarterbacks on the active roster when the regular season begins in September. With Allar projected as the third-string option, the numbers dictate that one of Howard or Rudolph will ultimately miss out on a spot by the time final cuts arrive at the end of August.
Coaches seem intent on leveraging Allar’s arrival to elevate Howard’s performance through the remaining offseason program and into the preseason slate. This internal push aims to sharpen both young passers as they vie for opportunities.
“I’m very excited to see how that continues to play out as we get into training camp, as we get into the preseason,” Arth said.
“How the two of them bring the best out in each other, because I think ultimately that’s what our goal is, is to bring the best out in each other. When you are looking at it from a competitive standpoint, you always respect the person you are competing with because they always bring out the best in you.”
The coming weeks will reveal whether Howard’s continued ascent prompts the Steelers to explore trade options for Rudolph. For now, the quarterback room remains a focal point of intrigue as the team balances immediate needs with longer-term vision under Rodgers’ guidance.
The depth chart battle promises to provide valuable insights into the franchise’s direction at this critical position.
