The Pittsburgh Steelers face a potentially franchise-altering decision: who will lead them at quarterback in 2026? The pressure is on, and it all hinges on whether a late-round pick can defy the odds. But here's the burning question: Can Will Howard, a former sixth-round pick, truly be the Steelers' long-term answer under center? Or will they be forced to look elsewhere, potentially jeopardizing their future?
Last season, the Steelers made a surprising move by bringing in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a 42-year-old future Hall of Famer. Rodgers delivered a respectable performance, throwing for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. He provided stability and experience, guiding the offense effectively. However, Rodgers' age makes him, unfortunately, a short-term solution at best. He simply can't be the quarterback to build the team around for the long haul.
Adding to the complexity, the Steelers are now navigating a new era after the departure of long-time head coach Mike Tomlin. This leadership change amplifies the need for a quarterback who can not only perform on the field but also embody the vision of the new coaching staff. The free agent market and the upcoming NFL Draft class aren't exactly overflowing with top-tier quarterback prospects, leaving the Steelers with limited options and a significant degree of uncertainty for the 2026 season and beyond. This is a problem.
This brings us to Will Howard. Drafted in the sixth round last year, Howard had the unique opportunity to learn from Rodgers, absorbing invaluable knowledge and experience. This is a massive advantage, as most rookies are thrown into the fire immediately, expected to perform without the benefit of such mentorship. Howard also boasts a National Championship title from his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to a winning team. But here's where it gets controversial... While his pedigree is intriguing, not everyone is convinced that Howard has what it takes to be the Steelers' franchise quarterback.
NFL analyst Steve Palazzolo recently shared his assessment of Howard on 93.7 The Fan, offering a rather blunt perspective. "He's just not a great overall thrower of the football," Palazzolo stated. "He's got a pretty good arm, everything's ok. Accuracy I think, is one of the issues. I thought he has backup development type of traits, but that doesn't sound like a hitch to him type of trait." This is a harsh, but ultimately fair, critique. Howard was a late-round pick for a reason. His skillset and potential were viewed as less refined compared to earlier-round prospects.
And this is the part most people miss...The exciting, yet uncertain, aspect of Howard is that his true potential remains largely unknown. He hasn't had a legitimate opportunity to prove himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL. During his final season with Ohio State, Howard did lead the nation in completion percentage. However, it's important to consider the context: he played on a stacked team that won the National Championship. This undoubtedly made his job easier, as he was surrounded by elite talent and benefited from a strong supporting cast. The NFL presents a far greater challenge, with more complex defenses and a significantly higher level of competition.
The Steelers were spoiled for years by Ben Roethlisberger, a future Hall of Famer who spent his entire career with the team. Roethlisberger led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories and maintained a remarkable record of zero losing seasons alongside Coach Tomlin. Since Roethlisberger's retirement, the Steelers have been searching for his successor, the next quarterback to lead them to greatness. Howard is now in line to potentially get that chance. The upside of Howard is debatable, but the unknown is what makes the situation intriguing for many Steelers fans. Will he rise to the occasion and become a star, or will he falter under the pressure?
If the Steelers decide to pursue a different path at quarterback for the 2026 season, they will likely turn to a veteran player. Malik Willis, the Green Bay Packers quarterback, has generated significant buzz and is expected to command a substantial contract this offseason. He represents a potential option for a team seeking a starting quarterback. However, the Steelers may be hesitant to make such a significant financial commitment for a player who is not a proven long-term starter. Another crucial factor is the Steelers' new head coach, who will likely have a preferred quarterback in mind as they approach the season.
Alternatively, the Steelers could embrace a rebuilding strategy, which could favor giving Howard a chance to prove himself. If Howard struggles, the Steelers could then bring in a veteran quarterback to provide guidance and competition. Furthermore, if Howard's struggles lead to a poor season, the Steelers would likely secure a high draft pick, potentially their first top pick in over two decades. This could provide them with the opportunity to select a top quarterback prospect and accelerate their rebuilding process.
Ultimately, the Steelers' quarterback decision for 2026 is a critical one that will shape the team's future for years to come. Do they gamble on the potential of Will Howard, or do they pursue a more established veteran option? What if Howard ends up being a hidden gem, a diamond in the rough that other teams overlooked? Or is he destined to be a career backup, unable to handle the pressure and demands of being an NFL starting quarterback?
Who do YOU want to see as the Steelers' starting quarterback next season in 2026? Is it time to trust in a young talent like Howard and see what he can do, or should the Steelers pursue a proven veteran to lead the team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! #SteelerNation
