Steelers QB Option is Drawing Aaron Rodgers Comparison

Rattler Has High Upside?

Solak wasn't shy in voicing his affinity for Rattler's game, stating that, "this is the guy I'd really be pursuing if I were in desperate need," as well as writing that he was, "a totally acceptable young starter" across his eight games in that role with the Saints this past season and that he has, "great physical tools for playmaking."

Working with first-year head coach Kellen Moore, who was McCarthy's offensive coordinator for four seasons (2019 - 2022) during the latter's stint as the Dallas Cowboys' head coach, Rattler displayed his mobility and penchant for making plays happen off-script at times.

He's not the most consistent pure passer in the world, but there have been enough flashes there for franchises to potentially believe he could grow into a long-term starter for them.

Is Rattler the Right Option for Pittsburgh?

Following Tyler Shough's standout rookie campaign for the Saints after being selected in the second round of last year's NFL Draft, Rattler isn't viewed as anything more than a high-level backup for the team at the moment.

Thus, New Orleans may consider shopping him around and seeing if it can net a pick or two in the 2026 draft for Rattler, with Solak suggesting that he'd be open to trading a Day 3 pick for him as "camp competition", but the Steelers don't make a ton of sense as a landing spot for him.

That's not meant as a slight at Rattler, who has proven he belongs in the NFL and possesses some intriguing tools, but Pittsburgh would be better served giving Will Howard a chance to prove himself before moving onto another young quarterback via the trade market.

Howard was a standout during the offseason program and training camp heading into his rookie year as a sixth-round pick, but a hand injury he suffered in early August ended up landing him on the reserve/injured list until Week 11.

The 24-year-old's mobility and success in the deep passing game during his lone season at Ohio State in 2024, during which he won the national title, make him a prospect worth at least giving a shot in Pittsburgh.

Rattler would become a far more interesting, and perhaps, realistic target for the Steelers if they were to show no interest in bringing in a veteran or having Rodgers return, but because that's not the case, the team should stick by Howard as their up-and-coming option behind center for the time being.