Who will be the Steelers starting QB in the 2026 season opener?

McCarthy has said he prefers pocket passers. If Aaron doesn’t come back, I predict that Rudolph will do well in training camp and grab the spot. He’s a free agent next year and last chance to make money before he ages out.

 

Doesn't matter. The standard is the standard

 

I don't think Mason's on the list.
I guess if the pickings get that slim they keep him.

 

I think McCarthy will develop Howard aggressively, and that’s exactly what needs to happen. At worst, Howard should be the QB2 this year, you just can’t let a young QB with an upside sit on the pine and rot. If he's got it, find out early.

Mason’s been a solid backup, but it feels like it might be time to move on.

From there, it really comes down to the big questions: do they draft a QB or not, and which veteran do they bring in to bridge the gap?