Steelers Coach McCarthy Ponders Backup Options Behind Rodgers, Including Late-Round Draft Pick Will Howard
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy is reportedly eyeing multiple backup options behind star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who may not return to the team due to his upcoming free agency status. One player in particular has caught the coach's attention: 2025 late-round draft pick Will Howard, a former Ohio State quarterback.
According to an NFL Network report, McCarthy believes that while there are other players on the roster with contract options still intact, such as Mason Rudolph, Howard presents a more intriguing upside. As drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard was hailed for his impressive collegiate season, where he led Ohio State to a national championship and threw for 4,010 yards with 35 touchdowns.
Howard's scouting report suggests that he possesses physical attributes, such as size and toughness, which could serve him well in the NFL. However, his playing style is also marked by predictability, lack of eye manipulation, and limitations when pressured. Nevertheless, McCarthy may see potential in Howard to develop these skills further with a seasoned mentor like Rodgers.
The prospect of Rogers leaving Pittsburgh has cast doubt on whether he will re-sign with the team in 2026. If that scenario unfolds, Howard might become the preferred choice as quarterback for the Steelers next season. As a backup option behind both Rudolph and potentially Howard, McCarthy will have to navigate these complex quarterback relationships while still trying to bring home another Super Bowl title under his leadership.
This development comes after the news of Rodgers' impending departure from Pittsburgh, sparking rumors about a potential reunion between the two in Green Bay or elsewhere. However, for now, it seems that the Steelers are eyeing Howard as their next prospect for growth and development.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy is reportedly eyeing multiple backup options behind star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who may not return to the team due to his upcoming free agency status. One player in particular has caught the coach's attention: 2025 late-round draft pick Will Howard, a former Ohio State quarterback.
According to an NFL Network report, McCarthy believes that while there are other players on the roster with contract options still intact, such as Mason Rudolph, Howard presents a more intriguing upside. As drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard was hailed for his impressive collegiate season, where he led Ohio State to a national championship and threw for 4,010 yards with 35 touchdowns.
Howard's scouting report suggests that he possesses physical attributes, such as size and toughness, which could serve him well in the NFL. However, his playing style is also marked by predictability, lack of eye manipulation, and limitations when pressured. Nevertheless, McCarthy may see potential in Howard to develop these skills further with a seasoned mentor like Rodgers.
The prospect of Rogers leaving Pittsburgh has cast doubt on whether he will re-sign with the team in 2026. If that scenario unfolds, Howard might become the preferred choice as quarterback for the Steelers next season. As a backup option behind both Rudolph and potentially Howard, McCarthy will have to navigate these complex quarterback relationships while still trying to bring home another Super Bowl title under his leadership.
This development comes after the news of Rodgers' impending departure from Pittsburgh, sparking rumors about a potential reunion between the two in Green Bay or elsewhere. However, for now, it seems that the Steelers are eyeing Howard as their next prospect for growth and development.
Still, I guess it's cool that the Steelers are looking at him as a potential backup option. Maybe he'll surprise us and prove everyone wrong! 
But can we talk about how Rodgers is basically a legendary QB like Drew Brees or Tom Brady? Like, what if he does leave Pittsburgh? The Steelers will need to find someone who can fill his shoes... 
I feel like Rodgers leaving is gonna be a big deal for the Steelers... they've been counting on him for so long 
what if they don't get another QB who can match his level? 
Like, I guess it's no surprise that the Steelers are scrambling to find a new QB after Rodgers is gone... I mean, they did manage to draft a guy in the 6th round who led Ohio State to a national championship 
. Will Howard sounds like a solid backup option (yawn), but can he even handle the pressure of being behind two seasoned QBs? 
With Rodgers possibly leaving Pittsburgh, it's exciting to see Will Howard get a chance to shine behind the Steelers' bench! 
#QuarterbackLife #NFLDraft #WillHowardForSteelers
Maybe McCarthy's trying to make a move and prove himself, but this could backfire if Howard doesn't pan out like he's supposed to.
i mean, rudolph has already shown what he can do in the nfl, he's had some decent games and he's still under contract. will howard is just a late round draft pick with some good stats from ohio state, but we don't know how he'll translate to the nfl yet 
i hope they make a better move than this 
