Now, almost a month into free agency, nearly every team in the NFL has at least a rough idea of who their Week 1 starting quarterback will be, except the Pittsburgh Steelers. They appear to be playing the wait-and-see game with Aaron Rodgers, as they did last offseason. However, legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has an alternative plan if Rodgers decides not to return.
What Ben Roethlisberger Said About the Steelers’ Quarterback Situation
“I’m a big Will Howard fan. I’d love to give Will Howard a chance,” Roethlisberger said on the “Deebo & Joe” podcast. “I think he’s a guy who’s a proven winner in college. I think he can come here and do it.”
In 2024, Howard transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State, stepping in as the starter to lead the Buckeyes to a 14-2 season and a national championship victory over Notre Dame. He finished the season with an 84.8 grade, according to PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Rankings, 51st in the country.
Many teams didn’t view him as an NFL starter, as he lacked eye-popping arm strength, had inconsistent ability to throw into tight windows, and played in a highly friendly quarterback scheme under Chip Kelly.
He ended up getting picked in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, where he sat behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph for the entire season. Even though Howard did not play at all, Roethlisberger is willing to give him a shot if Rodgers decides not to play for his former head coach, Mike McCarthy.
“I don’t think the Steelers should draft a quarterback early in this draft by any means. If you wanna try to grab one in the fourth round, or just somewhere, just to add someone,” Roethlisberger said.
Even if the Steelers wanted to draft a quarterback early, they’re not in a great position to do so.
Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza looks to be a lock to go first overall, and with recent rumors of Ty Simpson getting drafted higher than expected, there likely won’t be a quarterback worthy of getting taken with their first-round pick at No. 21, nor their second-round pick at No. 53.
Regardless, the Steelers seem committed to playing the Rodgers waiting game again, even though he didn’t bring much success last year. While he led the Black and Gold to a 10-7 record, barely squeaking out an AFC North title in a Week 18 win, they went on to get embarrassed by the Houston Texans during Wild Card Weekend, 30-6.
While Rodgers contemplates a return in 2026, Howard may not get the chance to start until 2027 and beyond.
