As the world awaits the decision of Aaron Rodgers, I continue to find myself caring less and less. I go into every Pittsburgh Steelers’ season with hopes of it ending with a seventh Lombardi Trophy but I also am realistic about those chances. In all honesty, my level of excitement for the 2026 season is higher for Will Howard than it is Rodgers. Allow me to explain why.
I fully admit that the team has a better chance to win games with Rodgers under center. His overall knowledge and ability to recognize just about anything the defense throws at him is something you just can’t replace. The arm talent is still there and you cannot replace the experience either. He’s literally seen and done just about everything the game of football can offer and the comments of his teammates were positive across the board.
Will Howard has yet to take a snap in a Pittsburgh Steelers’ uniform. He hasn’t thrown a meaningful pass since he led Ohio State past Notre Dame for the 2024 National Championship. He was a sixth round draft pick and very few of them go onto great things in the NFL. He has prototypical size and has the mobility necessary to move around the pocket and still deliver the ball. There was improvement each year of college ball from his freshman campaign at Kansas State to his only season with the Buckeyes. There are limitations however and many of those fall into two areas. Delivering the ball accurately and timely outside the numbers is a concern and can he read more than half the field? This was something he really wasn’t asked to go beyond in his career.
So why would I be more excited about Will Howard starting at QB versus Aaron Rodgers? Because I already know what Rodgers brings. I saw it last year and it’s unlikely to improve. He doesn’t want to get hit. He isn’t willing to stand in the pocket which results in constant checkdowns. Just ask Kenneth Gainwell. Is there an argument to be made that he would have more weapons this time around? Adding Michael Pittman, Jr and a rookie receiver or two would make that a “yes.”
But Rodgers playing another year kicks the can down the road once again at quarterback and I’m in no mood to re-live the post Terry Bradshaw years. This doesn’t mean Howard is the answer by any stretch but at some point you have to see what he can do. If it’s really that bad then go with Mason Rudolph and find your guy in 2027. Unlike many other fans, I’m not afraid of a losing season. That’s what it took to get Ben Roethlisberger so I’m willing to go there again.
Howard getting the nod would at the very least provide some excitement and hope. Rodgers would bring more of the same. I’m ready for something new and am willing to live with the results.
