A new trading option has just appeared for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the quarterback position.
Until Aaron Rodgers formally commits — which is not guaranteed after his recent statements on the “Pat McAfee Show” — the Pittsburgh Steelers ought to consider every possible option at quarterback. And a fresh one has just appeared.
On the night of April 18, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler worked alongside Seattle Seahawks beat writer Brady Henderson to announce that Sam Howell is now on the trade block.
“The Seahawks are willing to trade Sam Howell and have had teams express interest in obtaining their backup quarterback, sources informed ESPN,” the report started.
Continuing: “That interest follows the Seahawks adding Drew Lock last week, re-signing Geno Smith’s previous backup to possibly serve in the same capacity behind new starter Sam Darnold. Jaren Hall serves as their fourth quarterback, providing Seattle with a possible excess at the position.
Howell is currently just 24 years old — reaching 25 in September — and has recently been a full-time starter for the Washington Commanders. He displayed potential during his second NFL season in 2023, passing for nearly 4,000 yards. Howell also ran for 263 yards and scored a total of 26 touchdowns altogether.
Clearly, since Washington swiftly parted ways with Howell after just one campaign, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Howell recorded 21 interceptions in 17 starts, along with 65 sacks, 4 fumbles, and a QBR of 42.4 out of 100. He guided a struggling Washington squad to a 4-13 record.
Is Sam Howell a Better Starting Option for Steelers Than Mason Rudolph?
It is important to point out that after exchanging third- and fifth-round picks for Howell and selections in the fourth and sixth rounds, Seattle is now prepared to move forward as well.
Evidently, the Seahawks felt Darnold presented the superior long-term choice after observing Howell in practice daily last season, so he’s definitely not a guaranteed success. However, he could function as a possibly inexpensive one-season option next to Mason Rudolph.
A deal like this would offer added protection if Rodgers chooses not to sign. The 41-year-old quarterback has suggested that retirement remains an option, and it’s also likely he could simply hold off until the expected quarterback injury occurs later this summer or autumn.
By selecting Howell, the Steelers would have at least two competent choices, and this approach would be considerably safer than investing a first-round pick in a less impressive QB class.
For the record, in eight games (five as a starter) with the Tennessee Titans last season, Rudolph had a total QBR of 55.5 out of 100. Thus, his total quarterback influence, both favorable and unfavorable, was considered to be a bit better than Howell’s in 2023.
Rudolph indeed recorded an even higher QBR above 70 during two of his seasons with the Steelers, although both instances were during periods of five games or less.
That said, Rudolph has never experienced a complete year in which he performed like Howell in 2023, and the Seahawks trade prospect is also a superior runner. Both also share comparable career completion rates, with Rudolph holding a superior interception rate over his career.
Steelers Could Create a Quarterback Competition Between Mason Rudolph & Sam Howell
A trade attempt like this might not resolve the Steelers’ quarterback issue, but it certainly fosters some competition at that spot.
As mentioned earlier, Rudolph and Howell are comparable in terms of skill. Permitting a quite even QB competition reminiscent of Russell Wilson against Justin Fields last season.
However, such a move only takes place if Pittsburgh neglects the quarterback position in the first round.
Should the Steelers decide to fully commit to Jaxson Dart, Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, or Tyler Shough, they ought to select them with the 21st overall pick. If the odds are even, they ought to avoid the position and propose a mid- to late-round pick trade for Howell.
The 2026 draft is expected to feature multiple promising QB prospects, and acquiring the cost-effective Howell does not prevent Pittsburgh from later signing Rodgers.