The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving in a new direction for the first time in 19 years, as the franchise promptly signed longtime head coach Mike McCarthy to replace Mike Tomlin.
However, the coaching change isn’t the biggest topic in the building anymore, as the team waits to see who’ll be making the calls under center in 2026.
Steelers Eye Aaron Rodgers Return While Will Howard Waits In Wings
The situation hinges on whether former MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to the team. McCarthy, nonetheless, is already keen on the long-term future of the position.
Rodgers proved last season that he still has what it takes to drive a team to the playoffs, posting a 10-7 record, though they lost in the Wild Card Round. The veteran of 21 years serves as an anchoring presence with his extensive experience, both in the regular and postseason.
As such, there’s value to be found in starting him under center and tutoring the likes of second-year youngster Will Howard. McCarthy, on the other hand, is reportedly “high” on starting the Ohio State product if Rodgers doesn’t re-sign with the team.
“The Steelers continue to have positive conversations with Aaron Rodgers; there’s optimism within the organization that the future Hall of Fame QB will return,” The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo wrote. “But until he signs, nothing is set in stone. The team is high on Howard, particularly new coach Mike McCarthy.”
Having already sat behind Rodgers for a year, Howard has added to his NFL insights on playing the quarterback position. The second-year pro brought a college resume of 9,796 passing yards, 83 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions to the pros, and learning behind a four-time MVP Super Bowl winner can only do good.
“How the reps are divided in OTAs will be interesting to monitor,” DeFabo added. “Eventually, Howard should step ahead of Rudolph on the depth chart, but how quickly will that happen?”
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Like his predecessor, Brett Favre, Rodgers already served as a mentor to the Green Bay Packers’ franchise quarterback, Jordan Love. Showing a young prodigy the ropes won’t be new for Rodgers. He helped guide Love onto the right track to take the reins in Wisconsin and could very well do the same with Howard in Pittsburgh.
While veteran shot-caller Mason Rudolph is also on the depth chart, he’s unlikely to become anything more than what he’s been for his entire time in the NFL, a career backup (64.4 PFSN QB Impact in 2019).
