Mike McCarthy Sees Untapped Potential in Steelers QB Will Howard

The winds of change are howling through the halls of the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. The Pittsburgh Steelers, an organization synonymous with stability, have ushered in a new era by hiring hometown son Mike McCarthy as head coach. After a year away from the sideline following his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, McCarthy returns to the AFC North with a familiar challenge and an intriguing, unproven asset. While the specter of Aaron Rodgers’ future looms large, it’s the name Will Howard that is generating unexpected buzz as the foundation of McCarthy’s offensive rebuild.

A Homecoming and a Quarterback Conundrum

Mike McCarthy’s resume—a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers and consistent contention in Dallas—commands respect. His offensive mind and quarterback development history, from Rodgers to Dak Prescott, were central to his hiring. He steps into a situation ripe with both tradition and transition. The Steelers’ most pressing puzzle is under center. The legendary Aaron Rodgers, acquired in a blockbuster trade just two seasons ago, is contemplating retirement. Even if the future Hall of Famer desires a 22nd season, his fit and financial impact on a team under a new coach are uncertain.

This leaves the Steelers’ quarterback room in a state of flux. Veteran Mason Rudolph, a steadfast backup and spot-starter, provides known competency. Then there is Will Howard, the 2025 sixth-round pick who spent his entire rookie season as a ghost on the depth chart. A hand injury in training camp robbed him of any preseason snaps, making him the ultimate mystery man. Yet, according to team President Art Rooney II, it is Howard who has captured the new coach’s imagination.

The “Tremendous Upside” of a Mystery Man

In a recent interview, Art Rooney II revealed McCarthy’s early assessment. “He likes Will Howard,” Rooney stated. “[He] thinks Will has tremendous upside and is looking forward to working with him.” For a player who has never taken an NFL snap, this is a significant endorsement. It speaks to a foundational philosophy of McCarthy’s second act: player development and identifying raw tools that can be sculpted.

So, what does McCarthy see in Howard? Scouting reports from his college days at Kansas State painted a picture of a big, strong-armed quarterback with surprising athleticism for his size—a prototype that fits the modern NFL. His lack of preseason film, while a setback for his development, may have also allowed McCarthy to form an unbiased opinion based purely on practice reps, physical attributes, and coachability.

• Physical Prototype: Howard possesses the size (6’4″, 235 lbs) and arm strength that are non-negotiable for most NFL starters.
• Scheme Versatility: His experience in a multiple college offense and mobility suggest he could adapt to McCarthy’s system.
• Blank Slate: With no public failures or bad habits formed in live action, Howard represents a pure developmental project for McCarthy’s staff.

This is a classic McCarthy scenario. He didn’t draft Howard, but he now has the opportunity to mold him, much like he did with a young Aaron Rodgers waiting in the wings in Green Bay. The key difference, of course, is the immediate pressure to win in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers’ Offseason Quarterback Blueprint

McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan face a multi-path decision tree at the game’s most important position. Rooney’s comments outline a clear sequence of events. The organization must first gain clarity on Rodgers’ plans. If Rodgers returns, he would likely be the 2026 starter, but that brings a massive cap number and a short-term vision that may not align with developing Howard.

The more probable and intriguing path involves moving forward with a competition. McCarthy “obviously feels like Mason can be a contributor,” but the emphasis on Howard’s upside suggests the Steelers want to see what they have. The period around March 11, when the 2026 league year begins, will be critical. The Steelers could:

• Acquire a mid-tier veteran bridge quarterback to mentor and compete, keeping the seat warm.
• Draft a quarterback, injecting another young arm into a true open competition.
• Stand pat with Rudolph and Howard, declaring an open competition from Day 1 of OTAs.

McCarthy’s history suggests he prefers a veteran presence, but his excitement over Howard may pivot the strategy. The most likely outcome is a hybrid approach: bringing in a cost-effective veteran while unequivocally giving Howard the reps and opportunity to win the job. This balances immediate competitiveness with long-term investment.

Predictions for the 2026 Steelers Quarterback Room

Reading between the lines of Rooney’s statements and McCarthy’s pedigree, a compelling forecast emerges. The Steelers will respectfully move on from the Aaron Rodgers era, granting him his release or facilitating a trade if he wishes to play elsewhere. They will then sign a veteran like a Jacoby Brissett or a Ryan Tannehill—a capable, professional starter who can manage games but won’t block a talented youngster.

The real story will unfold at training camp in Latrobe. Will Howard, with a full offseason of health and coaching, will be given every chance to seize the QB1 role. Mason Rudolph will provide steady competition. The prediction here is that McCarthy’s belief is not just lip service. By Week 1 of the 2026 season, Will Howard will be named the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He may experience growing pains, but McCarthy’s system is designed to elevate quarterbacks, not just manage them. The Steelers will build an offense that highlights Howard’s arm talent and mobility, leaning on a strong running game and defense as he acclimates. This is the “upside” play—a gamble on a coach’s ability to develop and a player’s ability to learn, setting a new course for the franchise.

Conclusion: A New Blueprint in the Steel City

The hiring of Mike McCarthy signaled the Steelers’ desire to modernize their offense and reclaim the AFC North. His immediate fascination with Will Howard signals how he intends to do it: not with a quick, expensive fix, but through identification and cultivation. In a league obsessed with the quarterback carousel, Pittsburgh may be attempting to craft their own solution from within.

While the outside world focuses on big names and speculative trades, the Steelers’ future might already be in the building—a sixth-round pick with no NFL film, armed with a powerful arm and the unwavering belief of a Super Bowl-winning coach. The 2026 offseason will be defined by this project. If McCarthy’s eye for talent proves correct, the Steelers will have found their quarterback of the future at a bargain price, and the McCarthy era will be built on a foundation of validated faith and developed potential.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.