Steelers Have Their Eyes On A 2025 Quarterback That Is Quickly Rising Up Draft Boards

The Pittsburgh Steelers will once again have one of the more interesting quarterback situations heading into the 2025 season. Currently, the only quarterback on the roster is Skyler Thompson, who may not even make the team, but could be considered the emergency quarterback for the 2025 season. Other than that, the organization is expected to bring either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson back, but likely not both. Whoever is brought back between Fields and Wilson will likely be the starter, while a rookie will be the backup.

Which quarterback will be back in 2025 is still a mystery. Most fans want Fields due to his age and athleticism, while Wilson is more of an established veteran with limited mobility. Either way, the quarterback room will need some additions. Team insider Gerry Dulac recently went on Steelers Nation Radio, where he spoke about the team's plans at quarterback. Dulac believes either Wilson or Fields will be back, and a rookie will be added to the room to be the backup.

"Shocked might be a strong word, but I would be shocked if they would devote a No. 1 pick to a quarterback this year. But I wouldn't fall over if I saw a quarterback go in the third round, who they feel can be that guy behind Justin Fields, if you will. I will tell you that in the last three days, I heard Will Howard's name as an intriguing guy both as a passer and a runner."

There are two important tidbits from this statement from Dulac. One is that he seemed to allude to the fact that whoever the rookie is would be the backup to Fields, which may mean the organization is prioritizing getting Fields back in the building for the 2025 season over Wilson. Another interesting note is that the organization sees Will Howard as an intriguing prospect. He has a ton of experience at the college level, and there is a chance he can perform at a high level depending on the team around him.

Howard played a big role in the Ohio State Buckeyes' run to the National Championship. He was brought in as a transfer quarterback from Kansas State, and he was doubted by many. Some fans didn't believe Howard had what it took to elevate the Buckeyes to the championship-level team everyone always expects them to be, but he sure proved the doubters wrong.

The quarterback threw for just over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns during his lone season in Columbus while also rushing for seven touchdowns. He isn't the biggest athlete in the world, but he can use his legs in a way that is absolutely necessary in today's NFL. His victory in the National Championship put Howard in the national spotlight, and he is now being talked about as a potential Day Two pick. 

Throughout the majority of the college football season, it was assumed Howard would go on Day Three, but his poise under pressure in the College Football Playoff certainly has caught the eyes of the NFL.

Steelers Quarterback Room Already Has Strong Connections With Will Howard

Coming into the NFL as a rookie is always difficult, especially as a quarterback. If Howard were to be drafted by Pittsburgh, he would be a backup, which would certainly ease the transition. Another factor that might help is his familiarity with the quarterback room in Pittsburgh already. He played with Thompson at Kansas State, and the two were even in a quarterback competition going into Howard's sophomore year. Thompson left for the NFL in 2022, which led to Howard taking over the starting role. 

If Fields were also to be brought back by Pittsburgh, the connection there is obvious. Both were quarterbacks for the Buckeyes, and they each led their team to a National Championship. Fields couldn't get the job done, but Howard did. It is safe to assume the two have already been in contact with one another, and they would welcome working together at the next level.

What do you think about the possibility of the Steelers drafting Howard? Let us know in the comments below!

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