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

I think MR will be retained, he can win you some games, i think he suffered like the rest of our offense last year from a poor offensive system and inconsistent pass protection.

Bigger question is will AR come back.

 

how are so many people so sure of Will Howard? Hes a 6th rounder who has yet to take a snap in a preseason game. For all we know Skylar Thompson may beat him out.

 

They are not sure they are hoping. Backup QBs are usually fan favorites if the starter isn’t good. I just don’t want AR or another washed up Vet starting we are just wasting time to see what we have and move forward with that approach.

 

How do you know for certain that Steelers would tank if Howard started at QB?

I don't really care if they do tank in 2026... it would be good to get a high draft pick in '27 instead of drafting around 20 every year. Last time that happened in 2003, we drafted a QB and won 2 Super Bowls.

I'm not a lemming who is gonna automatically subscribe to ARII's philosophy of being just good enough for winning seasons and quick playoff exits. I want Steelers to be elite...and if it takes a few down years, so be it. See New England Patriots.

 

Not sure how you got that from my post. I started with 'as of today'. Today Skylar Thompson is not under contract for next season. AR is not under contract for next season. Only Will and Mason are. I guess we can play the 'what if' game though.

 

Keeping only MR and Howard is not a realistic scenario from which to base an argument. Have to assume it will be 4 guys battling it out. Skylar is a likely guy that you could add to that group.

 

It's not an argument. We have 2 QBs under contract for next season. I don't think it will be 4 guys battling it out.

Mason is not going to be QB1 on opening day unless due to injuries.


Until Skylar is signed, he's not likely at all.


Who else are you putting into this fantasy scenario?

 

Lol, choosing from only MR and Howard seems like an apocalyptic fantasy. Howard could be the next 6th round wonder like Tom Brady but i sort of doubt it.

 

That would be sick. Going have to probably win like 2/3 games only though.

 

I'm sure you meant to say Joe Montana in that picture, right?

 

And there's no guarantee they would have a quick turnaround like New England did either, with the Steelers roster and an experienced coach like McCarthy I don't see them getting a top 5 pick. Some of you guys are living in fantasy land .

 

McCarthy didn't come here to tank for a draft pick .

 

Who else is there to choose from currently? I guess we can throw in every FA QB name into your scenario. There are only 2 under contract today though.

 

Well, the season doesn't start for another eight months they will acquire more talent at the QB position.

 

Then McCarthy is here to be Tomlin 2.0

 

Because I don't see them starting a guy like Howard for a full season.

 

You don’t see anyone else applying for the job eh

 

Sort of

 

Jets and Cardinals won 3 and that didn’t cut it

So 2

 

49ers didn't see starting Brock Purdy for a full season... but sh!t happened.

Steelers didn't see starting Roethlisberger in 2004 when they had Maddox and Batch... but sh!t happened.