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Steelers Should Trade Will Howard as Backup Market Demand Grows After Key QB Injuries
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- Steelers Should Trade Will Howard as Backup Market Demand Grows After Key QB Injuries
The Pittsburgh Steelers are watching a number of other NFL quarterbacks go down with injuries across the league. Most recently, Jaxson Dart and Caleb Williams both suffered injuries. With their immediate statuses up in the air, Pittsburgh has a chance to take advantage of a sudden uptick in demand for quarterbacks. Their prime candidate to move should be Will Howard .
Some will argue that Mason Rudolph should be the quarterback Pittsburgh deals, but he remains a quality backup. If a team suddenly needs depth after losing its starter, it should be ready to call the Steelers about Howard. He didn't have a perfect preseason, but he makes the most sense as the quarterback Pittsburgh should trade.
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Steelers Should Be Offering Howard Immediately
Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) warms up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Howard isn't the future at quarterback for the Steelers. He probably isn't the future as their primary backup, either. If anything, he occupies a valuable roster spot in an already crowded quarterback room. Pittsburgh is likely waiting for the right reason to make a move, and this situation gives the team one. Head coach Mike McCarthy might like Howard, but the young quarterback could potentially fetch a Day 3 pick from a team in need of depth.
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That return would be more valuable to the Steelers than keeping Howard on the roster right now. They aren't trading Aaron Rodgers or Drew Allar . Rudolph could be dealt, but if Pittsburgh felt that move was necessary, it had an opportunity to make it before the regular season.
Rudolph is a valuable backup quarterback, though. Chances are he will return to the Steelers in free agency next year. Like it or not, he isn't going anywhere.
That makes Howard the rightful odd man out.
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Steelers Can't Continue to Carry Four QBs
Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) warms up for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Steelers shouldn't carry four quarterbacks on the active roster. It is redundant and uses a valuable roster spot that could go toward another position. If Pittsburgh wanted to bring Howard or Rudolph back to the practice squad, that would be much more understandable. However, carrying four quarterbacks is eventually going to catch up with the team, especially once DeShon Elliott returns to full health. Who else would Pittsburgh release?
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The options ultimately point back to Howard being removed from the roster. Pittsburgh needs to face that reality and take advantage of the rising demand for backup quarterbacks. Even if the Steelers can only get a Day 3 pick or a pick swap in return, they should be looking to pull the trigger.
The longer Pittsburgh keeps four quarterbacks, the more it limits what the team can do with the rest of its roster.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
