At the moment, Mike McCarthy and the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be hinging their quarterback plans on Aaron Rodgers . The new head coach also said that he's looking forward to working with Will Howard , who will be entering his second professional season having yet to take his first snap.
Another option for the Steelers could be Alabama's Ty Simpson , who in multiple mock-ups has been projected to be selected by Pittsburgh with the No. 21 overall pick in April's 2026 NFL Draft.
During a Wednesday appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio floated the idea that the hype around Howard, an Ohio State product and a sixth-round choice in last year's draft, could be a guise.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Dec 6, 2025. — Brett Davis/Imagn ImagesCredit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
"Well, that would tell us that they're not as giddy on Will Howard as they're claiming to be, that that's just part of the ruse, part of the game," Florio said . "Because, maybe, if they do get someone else, they're willing to move on from Will Howard.
"What better way to position yourself to get Ty Simpson than to make it look like Will Howard is your quarterback of the present and the future and you're waiting for Aaron Rodgers, and, 'Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain, we have no interest in Ty Simpson.'"
Florio said the Steelers "typically don't play those games." They waited for Kenny Pickett to fall into their laps in 2022, but the fact that they'd be taking Simpson almost at the same spot might spook them away, Florio believes.
"I think that's the biggest red flag," Florio said. "The fact that they waited, and (at) about that same spot, Pickett fell to them and it didn't work out. It's gonna be a hell of a risk. … Is he really a first-round quarterback? And he may be this year simply because it's a weak class. In another year, he may not have had any business being listed."
Howard, meanwhile, was named as one of the NFL's biggest fan favorites in a recent study by Vegas Insider. Steelers icon Ben Roethlisberger believes Howard should get his shot next season. Howard's rookie season was hampered by a broken pinky finger, an injury he suffered early in training camp.
"I love his heart, his fire, I think he is Pittsburgh," Roethlisberger said. "I think he's tough, he's gritty, he's going to get you what you want. Could be completely wrong, but I think you have a guy in there.
"Do I think Will Howard is a top-10 quarterback of all time, like by the time he's done? Maybe, probably not. But that doesn't mean he can't be a top-five guy in the league for numerous years. Or top-10 guy. And that guy can get you Super Bowls."
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Could Be Using Beloved Player as Draft Smoke Screen
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