While most of the media attention is focused on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a competitive battle is developing for the Pittsburgh Steelers' backup QB job. While Second-year QB, Will Howard, is making a strong impression during offseason workouts. 

Last Wednesday, Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth highly praised the young player, stating that Howard is doing everything that the team asked of him, as per Chris Ward of the Steelers Now.

“He’s doing everything and more that we can ask of him,” Arth said. “He is exceeding expectations. We couldn’t be happier with where he is at.”

But the reason the team is developing another QB, even after having Rodgers as QB1, is that reports from Steelers Now state that the team wants to keep all four of its current quarterbacks.

They include Rodgers, Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Drew Allar, whom the team acquired from Penn State in the third round of the April draft. 

Right now, Will Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph are competing head-to-head for the primary backup position behind Aaron Rodgers.

Developing two young quarterbacks at the same time is a tough challenge because there are only so many practice plays to go around, but Coach Arth is tackling the problem directly. 

Meanwhile, Rodgers is continuing to act as a mentor. He is also navigating his own OTA hurdles.

The Steelers Are ‘Still Working’ On Their Rapport

Aaron Rodgers has decided to enter another season. This means the Pittsburgh Steelers have their starting quarterback back, but he is also a very strict leader.

New roster additions must quickly develop chemistry with their veteran quarterback.

Reporter Ray Fittipaldo joined The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller radio show to share how things are looking at the OTAs as June approaches. 

"I'm just going to be very generic with you, and I will just say Aaron Rodgers and his receivers are still working to get on the same page," Fittipaldo said. 

Fittipaldo was specifically speaking of wide receivers, Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard. Rodgers is famous for his ‘tough love’ style. 

He plays best with people he completely trusts. However, this also means he can completely freeze out players who don't meet his standards.

This seemed to happen to Roman Wilson in 2025, who barely got a chance to play all year, as reported by Parker Abate of the Steeler Nation.

Pittman is an experienced veteran, and Bernard is a talented rookie. If either of them fails to win Rodgers' trust, it could cause problems for the whole offense. 

The Steelers hope early training will resolve these chemistry issues before the season begins.

Read more on the Cincinnati Bengals Community

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Rudra Dubey