The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the offseason with the same questions they’ve had for a long time now, and it’s what they want to do at the quarterback position.

While much of the focus has centered on whether future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers will return for another season, that doesn’t mean the Steelers don’t have other plans in place if he decides to go elsewhere or call it a day.

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According to Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the franchise already appears to have a plan in motion that would give young quarterback Will Howard a chance to play.

“If Rodgers comes back, I think the Steelers will groom Howard to be the backup this year,” Fittipaldo said. “That would leave Rudolph’s place on the roster a bit uncertain. Could he be No. 3? Sure. He’s not making a ton of money.”

Veteran Mason Rudolph has continued to be a depth piece and a steady but limited option capable of spot starts. However, Fittipaldo suggested the Steelers could explore other roster moves if they prioritize developmental upside over familiarity.

“But they could also cut Rudolph and take a flyer on a QB in the draft who could be the No. 3,” he added. “It’s obvious they believe Howard has potential. They’ve gone out of their way to communicate that. Now is the time for him to be bumped up to No. 2.”

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Even if Rodgers ultimately chooses not to return, Fittipaldo added the franchise’s developmental decisions likely will remain unchanged, with Howard still slotted as a backup rather than being put into a starting role right away.

“Now if Rodgers does not come back, I think Howard is still groomed to be the backup, but they’d have to acquire a starter in free agency or a trade.”

That plan wouldn’t be the same as Pittsburgh’s win-now ideas in over the past few decades. Rather than making Howard’s timeline one that doesn’t align with what he needs, the Steelers would likely pursue a bridge option to keep the roster competitive while the young quarterback continues to get better.

There’s a lot to consider here, so they’ll have to get it right.