Why the Steelers Should Turn the Page on Aaron Rodgers for Will Howard

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The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a franchise-altering crossroads this May. As the “will-he-won’t-he” saga regarding Aaron Rodgers’ return for the 2026 season drags on, the tension in the South Side facility is palpable. While Rodgers did guide the team to a playoff berth last season, the wild-card exit to the Texans felt more like a ceiling than a stepping stone.

It is time for General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy to make the difficult, but necessary, decision: Move on from the 42-year-old legend and hand the keys to Will Howard.

1. The Financial and Physical Reality of Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers turns 43 this year. While his 2025 stats—3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns—were respectable, they weren’t the “MVP-caliber” numbers required to justify a massive contract. Reports suggest Rodgers is seeking upwards of $30 million for 2026, a staggering jump from the $13 million he played for last year.

Paying a premium for a quarterback in the twilight of his career is a recipe for stagnation. The Steelers’ roster has holes that need filling, and tying up significant cap space in a player who has already peaked limits the team’s ability to support him. If the goal is a Super Bowl, a “good enough” performance that ends in a first-round exit isn’t worth the price tag.

2. The Will Howard “Trial Run”

In the shadows of the Rodgers drama, Will Howard has been quietly earning the respect of the coaching staff. Mike McCarthy has praised Howard’s raw skill set and physical tools, yet the young signal-caller has yet to take a meaningful NFL snap.

By starting Howard in 2026, the Steelers accomplish two things:

True Evaluation: Pittsburgh needs to know if Howard is a legitimate franchise cornerstone or a career backup. You can’t learn that from training camp reps or preseason flashes.
Modernizing the Offense: Howard brings a level of mobility and youth that aligns better with the modern NFL than Rodgers’ pocket-bound, veteran-style play.

3. The 2027 Draft: A “No-Lose” Safety Net

The most compelling reason to start Howard now is the projected landscape of the 2027 NFL Draft. Early scouting reports indicate that the 2027 class is one of the most talent-rich quarterback groups in a generation.

If Howard struggles and the Steelers finish with a losing record, they would be perfectly positioned to land a generational talent. The 2027 class is expected to feature:

Arch Manning (Texas): The “Prince who was Promised,” a polished processor with an elite NFL pedigree.
Dante Moore (Oregon): A dynamic playmaker with elite arm strength who has already seen high-level collegiate success.
LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina): A physical freak with a massive arm, often compared to a young Josh Allen.

Starting Howard creates a “win-win” scenario. If he succeeds, you’ve found your franchise QB for a fraction of Rodgers’ cost. If he fails, you secure a high pick in a draft featuring Arch Manning.

The Bottom Line

The Steelers have always been an organization defined by stability, but sometimes stability is just a synonym for being stuck. Continuing with Aaron Rodgers is a safe, expensive path to a .500 record and a potential wild-card exit.

Turning to Will Howard is a bold gamble, but it’s one backed by the ultimate insurance policy. It’s time to stop looking at the Hall of Fame past and start building the championship future.