Steelers Look Toward Future With McCarthy, Rodgers, and Howard

For the first time since 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a new head coach. Mike Tomlin stepped down in January after 19 seasons, ending one of the NFL’s longest-tenured coaching runs. The organization quickly conducted a search and settled on Mike McCarthy, who now faces the challenge of guiding the franchise through a quarterback transition.

A central question for the Steelers is whether veteran Aaron Rodgers will return for 2026. While Rodgers’ decision remains uncertain, Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby suggested the ideal scenario: Rodgers plays one more season while the team develops its young quarterback, Will Howard, for a smooth succession plan.

“You let Rodgers get another year,” Crosby said on The Rush, according to reporter Matthew Luciow. “Then you have Will Howard sit for two years and then let him go in and be the guy… I’m a Will Howard believer. I think he’s a hell of a player.” Crosby’s comments reflect optimism about Howard’s potential to become a long-term starter while giving the veteran Rodgers time to stabilize the offense.

Howard, a sixth-round pick in 2025, was the eighth quarterback selected in the draft. Pittsburgh had passed on other notable prospects, including Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders, before finally choosing Howard with the 185th overall pick.

1. Will Howard’s Rookie Season and Development

Howard’s rookie year was largely a developmental period. He spent most of the 2025 season inactive after breaking his hand in training camp, finally being activated in mid-November. By that point, Rodgers had sustained a fractured left wrist but managed to play through the injury, missing only one game, while Mason Rudolph served as backup. Unlike other rookie quarterbacks such as Riley Leonard, Quinn Ewers, and undrafted prospects Max Brosmer and Brady Cook, Howard did not see any game action in 2025. This lack of playing time underscores the Steelers’ plan to allow him to acclimate slowly to the NFL without rushing him into a starting role. The decision to draft Howard later in the draft reflects a belief in his long-term potential rather than immediate readiness. McCarthy and the coaching staff will now have the opportunity to shape Howard’s development over the next two years, ideally preparing him to take over the starting job seamlessly. Crosby’s endorsement highlights internal confidence in Howard’s talent, signaling that several players see him as a capable future starter who can carry the offense once Rodgers steps aside.

2. Aaron Rodgers’ Potential Return

Rodgers’ potential return would provide stability during a period of transition. At 42, he remains one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league and could serve as a mentor to Howard while keeping the offense competitive. For McCarthy, having a seasoned veteran under center would ease the first-year head coaching adjustment and help maintain continuity in the offensive system. Rodgers’ presence could also allow the team to be more selective with personnel and play-calling while grooming the rookie quarterback. From Rodgers’ perspective, a final season with the Steelers could be appealing, offering a chance to finish his career with a new challenge while guiding a young player in a structured plan. However, the veteran has not publicly confirmed whether he will return, leaving the scenario speculative. If Rodgers does return, Pittsburgh would have an ideal bridge between experience and youth, with one of the game’s all-time greats mentoring a highly regarded, albeit untested, prospect.

3. Balancing Optimism and Risk

While the Rodgers-Howard succession plan seems logical on paper, it carries inherent risks. Injuries, performance variability, or other unexpected developments could disrupt the transition and place additional pressure on McCarthy’s first year. Steelers fans must also consider that optimism about the plan comes from Crosby, a player outside the quarterback room, and not from Rodgers or management. The potential for unforeseen complications remains high in any multi-year quarterback transition. Nevertheless, having a young quarterback like Howard developing under the guidance of both Rodgers and McCarthy provides a structured path forward. The approach balances short-term stability with long-term planning, giving the Steelers a blueprint for the post-Rodgers era. As Pittsburgh navigates its first season under McCarthy, decisions regarding Rodgers and Howard will shape the franchise’s future at the most important position, blending veteran leadership with rookie potential.