Even with Aaron Rodgers back, one of the Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 top offseason storylines will continue to be the progress of the team\u2019s developmental quarterbacks vying to one day take over the franchise. Will Howard has yet to play even a preseason snap, but he continues to stand out in every way he can during practice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you saw Will Howard today, he looked really sharp,\u201d Pittsburgh Post-Gazette\u2019s<\/a> Gerry Dulac said Wednesday after the Steelers\u2019 second OTA session. \u201cNot just completing his throws, just what he had to do. You could see him making some of the reads, rolling out of the pocket. I thought Will Howard looked very good today for a guy who\u2019s never played a down in the NFL.\u201d<\/p>\n Aside from the standard disclaimer that it\u2019s just OTAs and not a real game-like football environment, it\u2019s better to stand out in every setting than to not. There is a reason why every level of the organization has been raving about Howard\u2019s potential since the 2025 season ended. Mike McCarthy mentioned him almost immediately after being hired in his introductory press conference, and all the buzz indicated he was Pittsburgh\u2019s Plan B<\/a> had Rodgers opted to retire.<\/p>\n Howard\u2019s early performances matter for several reasons. For one, it could have a material effect on the Steelers\u2019 2026 QB room and the depth chart<\/a> they carry into the season. If Howard can prove game-ready, then Mason Rudolph is expendable as the only other QB on the roster with actual experience. Pittsburgh isn\u2019t going to cut Drew Allar, the No. 76 overall selection in the 2026 draft.<\/p>\n It also proves that Howard is a quick study and adaptable to different environments. He\u2019s only received several sessions of in-helmet instruction from Mike McCarthy so far, and he\u2019s already impressing.<\/p>\n