Aaron Rodgers entered his announced final NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the eve of the 2026 campaign, and an ESPN analyst has already hinted that rookie Will Howard might eclipse him in the fans’ chants during a challenging December run.
What sparked the Howard prediction?
Mina Kimes, senior analyst at ESPN, dropped the surprise on a live podcast recorded in Pittsburgh. She said she surveyed the crowd and heard a chorus of “Howard! Howard! Howard!” aimed at the young quarterback. Kimes placed her forecast for the Thanksgiving‑week stretch, when the Steelers face the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans.
How could the Steelers’ late‑season schedule affect Rodgers?
The three‑game stretch is widely viewed as a test for any offense. The Eagles boast a top‑10 defense, the Broncos run a balanced attack, and the Texans have improved their pass rush. If Pittsburgh’s scoring stalls, Kimes believes fans could start demanding a change, even if head coach Mike Tomlin sticks with Rodgers. The speculation adds pressure to a veteran who signed to lead the team to a Super Bowl before hanging up his cleats.
Who else is in the quarterback picture?
Besides Howard, the Steelers keep veteran Mason Rudolph on the roster as a seasoned backup. Drew Allar, another young prospect, was mentioned by Bill Barnwell, Kimes’ co‑analyst, who asked why Howard was chosen over Allar. Kimes replied that her live‑podcast audience’s reaction guided the pick. Neither Howard nor Allar has yet taken a regular‑season snap for Pittsburgh, but their names are now part of the preseason conversation.
What does this mean for Aaron Rodgers’ final push?
Rodgers, a four‑time NFL MVP, arrived in Pittsburgh with a clear mission: deliver a championship run before retirement. The team has built its offensive line and receiving corps around his skill set, and the front office expects him to start every game. However, the Howard chatter illustrates how quickly narratives can shift when results falter. Should the Steelers struggle in November, the spotlight could swing toward the rookie, forcing the organization to weigh short‑term performance against long‑term succession.
What’s next for the Steelers’ quarterback room?
The season opener will reveal whether Rodgers can command the offense against the Cleveland Browns. If he performs well, the Howard buzz may fade to a footnote. If the offense sputters, fans and media will likely revisit Kimes’ prediction, putting pressure on the coaching staff to consider a mid‑season switch. For now, the Steelers’ front office remains committed to Rodgers, while quietly monitoring Howard’s development in practice.
The debate underscores how a single veteran’s final year can ignite broader discussions about a franchise’s future. As the 2026 schedule unfolds, every snap will be measured against the looming question: will Aaron Rodgers retire a champion, or will the roar for Will Howard grow louder before the final whistle?