The Steelers are heading into training camp with one of their most watched battles sitting right behind Aaron Rodgers.
Pittsburgh reports to St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on Tuesday to kick off its 2026 season, and the backup quarterback race is already drawing plenty of attention.
Veteran Mason Rudolph and second-year quarterback Will Howard are set to compete for the No. 2 job, with Drew Allar all but locked into a roster spot after being selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That leaves Howard and Rudolph fighting for what is expected to be the final place on the roster.
Two Steelers insiders think Howard has the edge.
In separate appearances on 93.7 The Fan, Nick Farabaugh of PennLive and Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette both said Howard is in pole position to win the backup job.
Rudolph did have his moments for Pittsburgh last season, playing a key role in the Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and starting one game after Aaron Rodgers was injured. He also enters the final year of his contract, which would make him a free agent in 2027.
Howard’s case got a boost from the spring, when he took QB2 reps during OTAs. That was a clear sign the Steelers were giving him every opportunity to grab the role. Howard also missed preseason action last year because of a hand injury suffered in camp, so this summer gives him a fresh chance to make his case.
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