Pittsburgh Steelers are evaluating their quarterback depth chart, according to P-G’s Ray Fittipaldo. With training camp approaching, the competition between Mason Rudolph and Will Howard for the backup position intensifies behind starter Aaron Rodgers, who remains a key figure on the team.
What happened
The Steelers’ quarterback situation has become increasingly competitive, as four players compete for three available spots. Fittipaldo reported that Will Howard is the front-runner for the backup role, stating, “He was consistently the No. 2 guy in OTAs and minicamp.” With the final OTA practice open to the media on Thursday, Howard’s performance will be closely monitored.
Fittipaldo emphasized the Steelers are looking to develop Howard, noting that he could potentially become more than just a backup. However, concerns persist about having a quarterback with no starts behind a 43-year-old starter. “The Steelers won’t hand Howard the job, but their early actions indicate they are giving him every opportunity to earn it,” he said.
Mason Rudolph’s future remains uncertain as he previously transitioned from presumed starter to backup following the signing of Rodgers. Despite a history of stepping in during critical moments, questions linger about Rudolph’s performance and whether he can compete against younger options. Fittipaldo remarked, “They’re looking for a future starter, and I think they wanna find out about Will Howard.”
Why it matters
The backup quarterback position is crucial for the Steelers, particularly given Rodgers’ age and potential for injury. Ensuring a strong second option can significantly impact the team’s ability to remain competitive. With training camp approaching, the decisions made regarding Howard, Rudolph, and rookie Drew Allar will shape the overall team strategy for the upcoming season.[3]
Ultimately, the team’s choice in backup quarterback can also influence long-term success, especially if the Steelers seek to develop a reliable successor to Rodgers. The ongoing evaluations aim to strike a balance between immediate performance and future growth potential within the quarterback roster.
Background
On May 20, 2026, the Steelers added Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback, shifting the dynamics within the team. Rudolph had been a key player in previous seasons but found himself overshadowed by the significant addition of Rodgers. Additionally, Pittsburgh drafted Drew Allar in April 2026, further complicating the quarterback hierarchy.[2]
The past few seasons saw Rudolph stepping in during critical situations, leading the team to a playoff spot in 2023. However, with the acquisition of top quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky, his role has evolved into a backup position as the organization explores newer talent.[1]
What’s next
The Steelers will continue assessing their quarterback depth chart as training camp unfolds in August 2026. The team plans to provide ample opportunities for Howard to showcase his skills and will monitor Allar’s development closely without expected preseason snaps. Fans can anticipate competitive evaluations leading to final roster decisions ahead of the upcoming season.
