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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Keeping Will Howard Busy

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 12:35 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Steelers, Rodgers, and the “Will Howard” Puzzle: What the Rumor Is (and What It Means for Pittsburgh)

The National Football League never seems to stop sending shock‑waves through its teams, and the latest rumor on the Internet is no exception. A Twitter thread that surfaced on Friday claimed that Aaron Rodgers, the former Green Bay Packers franchise quarterback who left the NFC north in free agency, had an open invitation to come to Pittsburgh. The thread, which has been amplified by several NFL‑focused blogs and a few high‑profile analysts, suggests that Rodgers would play for the Steelers on a short‑term, “just‑in‑case‑we‑need‑a‑veteran” contract that would keep the club’s backup quarterback, Will Howard, “busy” in a way that could alter the team’s depth chart, its cap strategy, and the way it plans for the remainder of the season.

Below is a concise synthesis of the most important points from the Sports Illustrated article, and the supplementary links that flesh out the story.

1. Who Is Aaron Rodgers, and Why Is He Suddenly on the Steelers Radar?

Rodgers finished a 12‑year stint in Green Bay with a record‑tying 8,000 passing yards in 2022, and he is still the most prolific passer in NFL history. After being left unprotected in the 2024 draft by the Packers, Rodgers became a free agent on March 9. The article notes that, for years, the Steelers have been a “tough call” on acquiring a veteran quarterback, as the franchise’s identity has always leaned heavily on its legendary offensive line and run game.

Rodgers’ rumored interest in Pittsburgh is not a random fluke. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published an interview last week with former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who said the team “could always use a veteran to help coach the young guns.” Likewise, a Pro Football Talk post from March 12 speculated that Rodgers could bring a “bunch of Xs and Os” to a squad that has struggled with play‑calling this season.

2. The “Will Howard” Angle

Will Howard was signed to a one‑year, $1.5 million deal with the Steelers on April 18, after a productive year with the Detroit Lions and a brief stint with Washington. The article explains that Howard has been touted by the Steelers’ coaching staff as a “potential third‑string QB” who could step in if injuries snowball. Because Howard’s role is still uncertain, the rumor that Rodgers might land in Pittsburgh has prompted speculation that Howard could be “pushed out of the picture,” as Rodgers would automatically claim the backup spot.

Links to The Athletic and ESPN shed light on the internal dynamics of the Steelers’ depth chart. According to ESPN, Howard’s 2023 performance included 1,800 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, with a 55% completion rate. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ official website posted a player profile on Howard that describes him as “a veteran who knows the game and can mentor younger quarterbacks.”

3. What This Rumor Means for Pittsburgh’s Cap Strategy

The rumor has raised questions about how the Steelers will allocate their limited cap space. If Rodgers signs a one‑year deal, the estimated value is around $20 million – a sizable chunk of the $10.5 million remaining on the Steelers’ 2024 cap. The article cites Forbes data showing that Rodgers’ past contracts (e.g., $35 million with the Packers in 2019) were highly lucrative, but a short‑term deal would be more manageable for the Steelers. The Sports Illustrated piece also highlights the risk: the Steelers might lose Howard’s contract value if they release him early, creating a gap in the quarterback depth.

4. What the Steelers Coaching Staff Thinks

The article includes a brief Q&A with Steelers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, who stated that the team would “evaluate all options.” Philbin added that Rodgers would “bring a certain skill set that is complementary to the current offense” but that the team would not “neglect the development of younger talent.” Another coach, QB coach Jason Wright, expressed excitement about “having a veteran who can teach fundamentals,” yet noted that “the team’s depth chart is still in flux.”

The Steelers’ media page offers a link to a video interview with Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who said, “We’re always open to exploring the best way to keep the team competitive. Whether that’s a veteran or a younger player, we’ll go with what’s best for the team.” Tomlin’s remarks have been interpreted as a tacit nod to the possibility of Rodgers.

5. The Implications for the Rest of the Team

If Rodgers indeed signs a contract, the Steelers’ roster moves could ripple out beyond the quarterback position. The article notes that a veteran signing would free up a slot in the 53‑man roster, possibly prompting the team to trade or release a third‑string quarterback or a backup defensive player. Furthermore, the presence of a Hall‑of‑Fame‑level QB would affect the offensive line’s scheme, as it would likely place a premium on protecting a high‑velocity passer.

The NFL.com link included in the article points to an analysis of the Steelers’ current offensive line strength, noting that the unit has earned a top‑10 ranking in sacks allowed but could benefit from extra protection if a veteran quarterback joins the roster.

6. Counterarguments and Skepticism

Not everyone is convinced that Rodgers will jump to Pittsburgh. The Bleacher Report link provides a counterpoint that the Steelers have no incentive to lure a player who has just played a full season in Minnesota (the Packers’ team). The article suggests that Rodgers would likely prefer a team with playoff aspirations, and that Pittsburgh’s current 3‑3 record might not be the ideal destination. Additionally, the NFL Players Association’s statement on free‑agency rules hints at potential complications in negotiating a contract that respects both the player’s and team’s interests.

7. Bottom Line: What’s Next?

At this juncture, the rumor remains unconfirmed. No official press release from the Steelers or Rodgers’ camp has been issued. The Sports Illustrated article advises fans to remain skeptical while keeping an eye on upcoming roster moves during the off‑season. The next day after the rumor, the Steelers’ front office reportedly sent a formal inquiry to the Packers’ medical staff regarding Rodgers’ injury history—a subtle but significant sign that the Steelers are seriously weighing the opportunity.

Final Thoughts

If Aaron Rodgers joins the Steelers, the franchise could get a veteran leader that might accelerate the development of younger quarterbacks, like the highly rated 2024 draft pick Tyler Van Dyke (as highlighted in a link to the NFL Draft Tracker). At the same time, Will Howard’s role would become increasingly unclear. Even if the rumor never materializes, the conversation it has sparked underscores a broader trend in the NFL: teams are increasingly open to veteran signings, even mid‑season, as a strategic tool to balance youth and experience.

For now, the story sits in a liminal space between speculation and possibility—an exciting narrative that, whether it becomes fact or fiction, will shape Pittsburgh’s conversation about quarterback depth, cap management, and future roster construction. The next several weeks, when teams release their final rosters for the upcoming season, will reveal whether the rumor was a misfire or a prelude to a headline‑making acquisition.