Will Howard opens up about career uncertainty after Steelers' drafting of Drew Allar

Presumably, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard could begin the 2026 NFL season serving as Aaron Rodgers' primary backup or as an unsigned free agent. 

While speaking with Kay Adams during Monday's edition of the FanDuel TV "Up & Adams" program, Howard addressed his mindset after the Steelers made signal-caller Drew Allar a third-round pick in this year's draft. 

How Will Howard knows he's on the "right track" with the Steelers

"I'm a process-driven guy," Howard explained, per Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "I take things day by day. My goal every single day is to be the best version of myself and to get better. If I'm getting better every single day, then I'm doing something right, and I feel like I'm on the right track." 

A 2025 sixth-round draft pick, Howard has not yet taken a meaningful in-game snap as a pro. He is currently on track to compete with veteran Mason Rudolph for Pittsburgh's QB2 job, and the Steelers reportedly will not carry four quarterbacks on their active roster this September.

Allar likely isn't going anywhere anytime soon, meaning either Howard or Rudolph won't be in the Steelers quarterback room this fall unless something unforeseen occurs. 

Will Howard is focusing on getting better instead of on his long-term future

"I try to not get too big-picture-minded," Howard continued during the segment. "We're not listening to the outside noise. We're just trying to make the Pittsburgh Steelers and make each other better every single day. That's the mindset I try to take on. I don't want to speak for everybody else, but it seems like in our room, that's what everyone's trying to do. We're just trying to get better, have a good time, play some ball, and make the Pittsburgh Steelers as successful as we possibly can." 

Steelers coaches have suggested throughout the spring that they truly believe Howard can become Rodgers' successor in 2027. That's all well and good, but actions speak louder than words. Unless the Steelers trade or cut Rudolph before training-camp practices get underway in late July, Howard likely will spend at least a portion of August fighting to hold onto his roster spot.