The Pittsburgh Steelers remain interested in signing Aaron Rodgers despite having one of the weakest quarterback groups heading into the 2025 season. However, Mike Tannenbaum, ex-general manager of the New York Jets, argues that their long-term solution already exists within the team’s current roster with rookie Will Howard. Speaking on ESPN, Tannenbaum emphasized that head coach Mike Tomlin should stop hesitating and commit fully to Howard as the future starting quarterback.
Highlighting Howard’s potential, Tannenbaum pointed out that
“but for a pretty bad workout at the Combine,”
Howard might have been a top three-round draft pick. In contrast, he expressed doubts about Rodgers, noting,
“As great as Aaron Rodgers once was, he’s gonna be 42 in December.”
He questioned the value Rodgers brings now compared to a young quarterback like Howard, who is eager to prove himself:
“Like, are we better off with a young Will Howard that has everything in front of him that’ll be [chomping] at the bit? So, to me, the Aaron Rodgers thing, like what are we really getting now at the end of the day?”
Locker Room Concerns Highlight Differing Views on Quarterback Direction
Not everyone shares Tannenbaum’s perspective. Former NFL player Chris Canty expressed skepticism about Howard’s readiness, telling ESPN,
“I owe it to the guys in the locker room to give them a competent quarterback. And I don’t know if Will Howard is gonna be that.”
This disagreement reflects the broader uncertainty and tension surrounding the Steelers’ quarterback situation, as the team balances between experienced veterans and developing young talent.
Steelers’ Ongoing QB Struggles Mirror Challenges of AFC North Rivals
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the Steelers were known for QB stability thanks to Ben Roethlisberger’s long tenure. Since his retirement after the 2021 season, Pittsburgh has grappled to find a reliable successor. Kenny Pickett, once a local star at the University of Pittsburgh, failed to deliver consistency and was traded after just two seasons. Subsequent additions Justin Fields and Russell Wilson helped lead the team to a 10-7 record and a Wild Card playoff appearance in 2024, but questions remain over long-term leadership at the position.
This season, the quarterback group includes Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson, while the front office debates Aaron Rodgers’ future with the team. Analyst Evan Cohen warned this uncertainty could turn Pittsburgh into a “Browns-like” franchise, telling ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike,
“Are the Steelers becoming the Browns in Pittsburgh, though? Everything I just said could have been applied to the Cleveland Browns. And even if you don’t like their plan right now, at least they’re rolling the dice on a couple of guys. That could be something for them. And they have an extra pick next year.”
Preseason and Future Outlook for Steelers’ Quarterback Situation
The Steelers are set to start their preseason with a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 9, providing an early glimpse at how their quarterback strategies might unfold. The debate between backing the veteran Rodgers or fully committing to Howard remains critical as Pittsburgh looks to stabilize a historically turbulent position and prepare for the 2025 campaign.