🏈 Steelers QB Depth Chart With Aaron Rodgers: What Happens to Will Howard?

The possibility of Aaron Rodgers joining the Pittsburgh Steelers continues to dominate NFL offseason discussions. While much of the attention naturally focuses on Rodgers himself, another important question is quietly emerging behind the scenes:

What would happen to rookie quarterback Will Howard?

If Rodgers officially arrives in Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ quarterback room would undergo a major transformation — and Howard’s role could become significantly more important than many fans realize.

Aaron Rodgers Would Immediately Become QB1

This part is simple.

If the Steelers acquire Aaron Rodgers, he becomes the unquestioned starter from Day 1. Pittsburgh would not pursue a veteran of Rodgers’ stature to create competition or uncertainty.

The entire point of adding Rodgers would be clear:

• maximize the current roster,
• push for immediate playoff success,
• and give the franchise elite quarterback experience.

That means Rodgers would control the offense, dominate media attention, and likely become the centerpiece of the Steelers’ short-term Super Bowl hopes.

But behind him, the quarterback structure becomes much more interesting.

Will Howard’s Development Timeline Would Change Completely

Without Rodgers, Will Howard might realistically compete for backup reps much earlier than expected. The rookie could potentially accelerate his development through more practice opportunities, preseason action, and direct competition.

But Rodgers’ arrival would likely slow that process — at least publicly.

Instead of being viewed as a near-term option, Howard would probably transition into a developmental quarterback role focused heavily on:

• learning the offense,
• studying preparation habits,
• adjusting to NFL speed,
• and observing how a future Hall of Famer manages the position.

That type of apprenticeship can be extremely valuable for young quarterbacks.

Many NFL coaches believe rookie passers benefit enormously from sitting behind experienced veterans rather than being rushed onto the field too early. In theory, Rodgers could become an elite football mentor simply through daily exposure alone.

But Rodgers’ History Creates Questions

This is where the story becomes fascinating.

Aaron Rodgers has had complicated public narratives involving younger quarterbacks before. His relationship with Jordan Love during their time with the Green Bay Packers was constantly analyzed by fans and media.

Some people viewed Rodgers as supportive. Others believed he kept emotional distance from the development process.

Because of that history, fans are already debating what Rodgers mentoring Will Howard would actually look like in Pittsburgh.

Would Rodgers:

• actively help Howard develop?
• embrace a leadership role?
• or focus primarily on maximizing his own final NFL years?

Nobody truly knows.

That uncertainty makes Howard’s situation especially intriguing.

Howard Could Become the Long-Term Insurance Plan

Even if Rodgers joins the Steelers, Pittsburgh would still need a long-term quarterback solution.

At Rodgers’ age, any move involving him would almost certainly be viewed as short-term. That means the organization would continue evaluating young quarterbacks behind the scenes, including Howard.

In fact, Rodgers’ presence could potentially protect Howard from early pressure.

Instead of forcing the rookie into difficult situations immediately, the Steelers could allow him to:

• develop physically,
• improve mechanics,
• study NFL defenses,
• and gradually adapt without overwhelming expectations.

That patient approach has worked for several successful quarterbacks in the past.

The challenge is whether Howard receives enough meaningful development reps while Rodgers commands most first-team attention.

The QB Room Dynamics Would Be Intensely Watched

If Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh, every quarterback interaction will become a storyline.

NFL fans and media would analyze:

• sideline conversations,
• training camp footage,
• preseason snaps,
• and even body language between Rodgers and Howard.

That comes with both opportunity and pressure for the rookie.

On one hand, Howard could gain priceless experience simply by sharing a quarterback room with one of the smartest passers in NFL history.

On the other hand, he risks becoming permanently labeled as “the backup behind Rodgers” instead of a legitimate future starter.

Young quarterbacks often need opportunities to establish their own identity — something that can become difficult when sharing the spotlight with a massive personality like Rodgers.

Mike Tomlin’s Role Could Be Critical

One of the biggest factors in this situation would likely be Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Tomlin has consistently shown an ability to manage personalities, maintain locker-room structure, and balance veteran leadership with player development.

If anyone can create a stable environment for both Rodgers and Howard, many around the league believe it would be Tomlin.

The Steelers would need to carefully balance:

• chasing short-term wins with Rodgers,
• while also protecting Howard’s long-term growth.

That is not always easy for NFL teams to accomplish.

The Steelers Could Be Quietly Planning for Both Present and Future

Ultimately, that may be the real strategy.

Adding Aaron Rodgers would clearly signal urgency and championship ambition. But developing Will Howard simultaneously could represent Pittsburgh’s attempt to stabilize its future beyond the Rodgers era.

In that sense, the two quarterbacks would serve very different purposes:

• Rodgers = immediate contention
• Howard = long-term possibility

The fascinating question is whether those two timelines can coexist successfully inside the same organization.

Because if Rodgers arrives, Will Howard’s role may technically shrink on the depth chart…

But his importance to the Steelers’ future could actually become much bigger than ever before.