The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has been a revolving door since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement in 2021. The team has churned through several starters, and while the recent acquisition of Aaron Rodgers aimed to provide stability, speculation is already rife about the long-term plan at the position. Recent reports suggest that the Steelers might be ready to move on from their sixth-round draft pick, Will Howard, in favor of a potentially more promising prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Steelers selected Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard, who transferred to Ohio State for his final season, threw for over 4,000 yards with 35 touchdowns, showcasing a strong arm and leadership qualities that led the Buckeyes to a national championship. Despite these achievements, some analysts believe that Howard's ceiling might not be high enough to be the Steelers' long-term answer at quarterback. There are also unimpressive trends in the underlying stats. While Howard's grade ranked a solid 18th nationally as he guided the Buckeyes to a national title, his average depth of target was just 8.5 yards despite throwing to elite weapons.
Enter Francisco Mendoza, a quarterback who has been making waves and is currently playing for Indiana after transferring from Cal. One analyst predicts the Steelers will select Cal signal-caller Fernando Mendoza with the No. 14 overall pick. Mendoza threw for over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns in his sophomore season at Cal before transferring to Indiana. At 6'5″, he has the prototypical frame that NFL front offices look for. Some scouts are impressed by Mendoza's arm talent, mobility, and potential for growth. He amassed over 4,712 passing yards and 34 total touchdowns in his two years at Cal. His blend of arm strength, touch, and underrated athleticism has caught the attention of several NFL teams.
The decision to potentially move on from Will Howard after just one season would reflect the Steelers' urgency to find a franchise quarterback. General Manager Omar Khan has admitted that the constant turnover at the position since Roethlisberger's retirement is "not ideal" and that the team needs to find a long-term solution soon. The selection of Mendoza would signal a significant investment in the future, especially if the Steelers use a high draft pick to acquire him.
Several factors could influence the Steelers' decision. Howard's performance during the 2025 season will be crucial. If he shows significant development and potential, the Steelers might decide to give him more time. However, if he struggles or fails to impress in limited opportunities, the team could be more inclined to pursue a quarterback in the 2026 draft.
Aaron Rodgers' performance and future plans will also play a role. If Rodgers plays well and decides to continue his career beyond 2025, the Steelers might delay drafting another quarterback, giving Howard more time to develop. However, if Rodgers struggles or retires, the Steelers could feel compelled to find his replacement immediately.
The strength of the 2026 quarterback draft class will also be a factor. If the class is considered deep and talented, the Steelers might be more willing to invest a high draft pick in a quarterback. Several quarterbacks, including Penn State's Drew Allar, are already generating buzz as potential first-round picks in 2026.
Ultimately, the Steelers' quarterback situation remains fluid. While Will Howard is currently on the roster, his future with the team is far from certain. The emergence of Francisco Mendoza and the potential of the 2026 draft class could lead the Steelers to make a bold move and cut ties with Howard in pursuit of a quarterback with a higher ceiling.
