The NFL Draft is on the cusp of kicking off, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still without a starting quarterback. Future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned, and nothing official has been reported about him coming back. So, the Steelers have no choice but to roll with the current quarterbacks on the roster.
According to insider Mark Kaboly, second-year quarterback Will Howard and veteran signal-caller Mason Rudolph are splitting the starting reps during the team’s voluntary minicamp currently. Rudolph was Rodgers’ backup last season, while Howard was drafted in the sixth round out of Ohio State.
What If the Pittsburgh Steelers Don’t Get Aaron Rodgers Back?
GettyAaron Rodgers is set to turn 43 years of age in December.
While the odds of a Rodgers return are likely, especially considering his former head coach with the Green Bay Packers, Mike McCarthy, is now the Steelers’ new head coach, there could be a tiny chance that he doesn’t return. After all, the four-time MVP and Super Bowl MVP has accomplished everything there is to accomplish as an NFL quarterback. The only quarterback in NFL history with 400+ passing touchdowns and a career passer rating of over 100, he doesn’t need to prove anything.
So, while it is unknown whether or not the Steelers would roll with Rudolph or Howard as the starter, these are the two best options that are currently on the Steelers’ roster.
In Rudolph’s case, he is entering his ninth NFL season. He has spent eight of those nine years with the Steelers as a predominant backup. In the 14 starts that he has made over his Steelers career, he has posted an 8-5-1 record, thrown 21 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. One of the best backup quarterbacks in football, Rudolph could be a steady option should Rodgers not return.
Howard didn’t play at all as a late-round rookie, especially after dealing with a fractured hand. He was also sitting behind Rodgers and Rudolph on the depth chart. Still, a longtime college starter and national champion, the Pennsylvania native could be the future at the position. Perhaps after learning from Rodgers and Rudolph, his time to become the full-time starter in the Steel City will come.
Aaron Rodgers Should Still Be the Top Priority for Pittsburgh
GettyAaron Rodgers went 10-6 as the Steelers’ starter last season.
There is no doubt that if the Steelers want to win in 2026, Rodgers is the best option for the organization. Despite battling age and a fractured wrist last season, No. 8 guided the Steelers to their first AFC North title in five years. He recorded 25 total touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a solid passer rating of 94.8. This wasn’t 2011 Aaron Rodgers, but he certainly played like a Hall of Famer.
Through his ability to manage the game and be great situationally, the Steelers were able to grind out games on offense. No, the offense didn’t have a 1,000-yard receiver. No, the offense didn’t have a 1,000-yard rusher. However, it had an all-time great at quarterback, and that is how Pittsburgh found a way to remain more than competitive in 2025. If he returns and plays like this in 2026, his strong experience with McCarthy should create a path for offensive explosion.
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