Will Howard or Mason Rudolph: Who Will Be QB2 Behind Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh?
Will Howard’s appeal lies in his dual-threat skill set and long-term ceiling. The former Kansas State standout has drawn comparisons to Josh Allen and Justin Fields thanks to his combination of size, mobility, and toughness.
In limited OTA action, Howard impressed coaches with his command of the huddle and work ethic. Steelers insiders believe Howard may be the “Rodgers successor in waiting”, a player who can learn behind the scenes for a year before taking over in 2026.
At just 23 years old, Howard also fits Pittsburgh’s vision of building around young offensive talent — a shift marked by recent additions like DK Metcalf and an overhauled offensive line.
But Mason Rudolph isn’t ready to concede anything. After years of bouncing between backup and starter roles, Rudolph has earned trust in the Steelers building. He’s familiar with the offense, has started multiple games, and is seen as a steady hand should Rodgers miss time.
During Rodgers’ rest days at minicamp, Rudolph took the lion’s share of first-team reps. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith praised his “readiness” and “maturity in leading the unit.”
Rudolph’s greatest asset might be his ability to keep the team afloat midseason, especially if Rodgers were to miss games due to injury or rest management.
The battle between Howard and Rudolph may seem like a simple depth chart decision, but it carries long-term weight. If the Steelers truly view Howard as the next franchise quarterback, giving him limited in-game reps behind Rodgers this year could be vital.
Conversely, if Pittsburgh is in “win-now mode” — and all signs point to yes — Rudolph’s experience may be prioritized.
“It’s not just about who’s next in line,” one insider said. “It’s about who helps you win if Rodgers misses a quarter, a game, or more.”
As training camp approaches, the competition is expected to heat up. Rodgers is clearly QB1, but behind him, the Howard vs. Rudolph battle will be one of the most watched in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are preparing for the future — but they’re also protecting the present.
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