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The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback room may already have a surprise brewing behind NFL legend Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers taking the first-team reps at OTAs was totally expected. The part that stood out was that Will Howard reportedly opened as the No. 2 quarterback, with Mason Rudolph behind him (and rookie Drew Allar further down the early pecking order). That does not make it permanent, but it does make it interesting.
MORE: Skip Bayless ranks his top 12 NFL quarterbacks of all-time
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Rudolph is a familiar name. He has experience, knows the system, and would seem like the safer backup option behind a 42-year-old starter. But Howard getting early second-team work suggests Pittsburgh may want a longer look at whether he can be more than just a developmental arm.
That matters because the Steelers are not just managing the 2026 season. They are also trying to figure out what comes after Rodgers. Howard is entering his second NFL season, while Allar is the rookie draft investment. Rudolph gives Pittsburgh a veteran floor, but Howard and Allar represent the future. That makes every rep behind Rodgers worth watching, especially if Howard continues to get the first shot with the second unit.
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
It is also possible that this is simply about evaluation. Spring practices are often used to give younger quarterbacks more live work, while veterans are already known commodities. Former Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley made that point, downplaying the idea that May reps should be treated like a finalized depth chart.
If he holds the No. 2 spot into training camp, Rudolph’s roster security could become less certain. If Rudolph pushes back, the Steelers may have a more competitive backup battle than expected. And if Allar flashes, Pittsburgh’s long-term quarterback picture gets even more complicated. Rodgers is still the headline, but the quarterback directly behind him might be the more surprising story.
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MORE: Skip Bayless ranks his top 12 NFL quarterbacks of all-time
Howard Already Getting an Opportunity
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Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Rudolph is a familiar name. He has experience, knows the system, and would seem like the safer backup option behind a 42-year-old starter. But Howard getting early second-team work suggests Pittsburgh may want a longer look at whether he can be more than just a developmental arm.
That matters because the Steelers are not just managing the 2026 season. They are also trying to figure out what comes after Rodgers. Howard is entering his second NFL season, while Allar is the rookie draft investment. Rudolph gives Pittsburgh a veteran floor, but Howard and Allar represent the future. That makes every rep behind Rodgers worth watching, especially if Howard continues to get the first shot with the second unit.
The Backup Battle Could Get Interesting
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Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
It is also possible that this is simply about evaluation. Spring practices are often used to give younger quarterbacks more live work, while veterans are already known commodities. Former Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley made that point, downplaying the idea that May reps should be treated like a finalized depth chart.
If he holds the No. 2 spot into training camp, Rudolph’s roster security could become less certain. If Rudolph pushes back, the Steelers may have a more competitive backup battle than expected. And if Allar flashes, Pittsburgh’s long-term quarterback picture gets even more complicated. Rodgers is still the headline, but the quarterback directly behind him might be the more surprising story.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
