Opinion: Why The Steelers Should Forget Aaron Rodgers And Embrace Rookie Will Howard

Starting the rookie might be the best thing for the Steelers’ future, but maybe not for the reasons you’d expect.

For years, the Steelers have been looking to find their way out of purgatory. Going into each season, including the one quickly approaching, it feels like we can all just pencil in a record of 10-7 and an abrupt first-round playoff exit.

That’s incredibly disappointing, considering the expectations the Steelers have of themselves. The organization firmly believed they had a chance to win meaningful games in January in recent seasons— and so did many of us. In 2023, after Kenny Pickett’s tremendous preseason, the Steelers thought he was coming into his own. When the team got off to a 10-3 start last season, Mike Tomlin had many of us believing they were a real threat in the AFC.

Neither of those things were true. Fans are full of anger, and rightfully so. There’s a ton of pessimism surrounding this regime.

As we currently stand, the best thing for the Steelers is to put their pride aside and lose a bunch of football games. But how could they ever pass it off to ownership and the fanbase? The Steelers simply wouldn’t lose on purpose; it’s just not in the Rooney family DNA.

But I do think there’s one subtle way that Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin can “tank,” while still being productive.

It starts with leaving Aaron Rodgers in the dust and moving forward with Mason Rudolph as the starter entering the season.

Likely, Mason wouldn’t exactly be a world beater given the offense around him, which could lead to early offensive struggles. And in the midst of that, there’s a decision that might just appease all parties: turning to rookie signal caller and sixth-round pick Will Howard for the majority of the season.

Here’s the key — this FINALLY gives them an excuse to be bad. It’s an opportunity to lower expectations for the first time in two-plus decades. Even the most optimistic fan should admit that Howard isn’t going to lead the black and gold to the Super Bowl. But fans will be happy with giving the kid a chance in what most agree is probably a lost year, regardless.

It’d be a luxury season. It’s hard to be disappointed in losing when you’re playing with house money.

Could it backfire, and Howard plays well enough to win a bunch of games? Sure. But that’d be a great problem to have.

This is a strategy that likely results in Omar Khan picking in the top 10 next season. In a draft loaded with quarterback talent, and on your home turf, it finally provides the Steelers with an opportunity to right the ship in a meaningful way. For the first time in what feels like forever, fans might applaud the Steelers for putting themselves in that position.

What are your thoughts on this strategy? Should the Steelers give the rookie quarterback a prolonged chance? Let us know in the comments section!