The Pittsburgh Steelers have been entangled in a quarterback saga all offseason. This saga has grown tired among a lot of fans who just want clarity on the position. As the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer, starting on Thursday, April 24th, Steelers fans are starting to come around to the idea that Pittsburgh might actually draft a quarterback. Now, that doesn't mean that they're out on Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old four-time league MVP has been linked to the Steelers all offseason as well as other teams, but now the options are starting to dwindle and many believe Rodgers is awaiting his announcement to Pittsburgh or retirement.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers puts both his arms in the air to celebrate a big time touchdown at home during the 2024 NFL season.
Regardless of Rodgers’ decision, the Steelers have to be thinking long-term. Mason Rudolph is back on the roster and is currently in line to start if Rodgers doesn’t come, but he’s far from a guaranteed answer. The Steelers have just two quarterbacks under contract—Rudolph and Skyler Thompson—and neither is viewed as a franchise cornerstone. General Manager Omar Khan recently made it clear that Pittsburgh will add more arms before training camp. That opens the door for potential additions via trade, free agency, or the upcoming draft.
On Tuesday, CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan floated a new name into the mix—Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell. Sullivan linked Howell to the Steelers as a potential depth piece, noting that while Howell showed flashes in Washington in 2023, he may be a better fit in a backup or developmental role. It’s not the most inspiring name, but it’s another signal that Pittsburgh is exploring every avenue to stabilize their quarterback room—even if the options aren’t exactly thrilling.
"The Steelers currently have the NFL's most in-flux quarterback situation," Sullivan wrote. "Unless and until Aaron Rodgers signs a contract with Pittsburgh, its only quarterbacks are Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. That's ... not ideal. Neither is Howell, obviously, but he at least has a higher floor than Thompson and a higher ceiling than Rudolph."
Sullivan's theory actually makes a lot of sense. The Seahawks recently added Sam Darnold, which could make Howell expendable. While Seattle reportedly likes Howell and isn’t actively shopping him, they’ve fielded calls—and that opens the door. If the Steelers are serious about adding a quarterback with better long-term upside than Rudolph and a higher floor than Thompson, Howell could be a realistic option.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan holds a cell phone up to his ear while taking a call.
Anyone who’s watched Thompson during his time with the Miami Dolphins knows he hasn’t exactly inspired confidence. He’s struggled when given opportunities and hasn’t proven himself to be even a reliable backup at the NFL level. Pairing him with Rudolph doesn’t create a particularly strong quarterback room, and while Howell wouldn’t dramatically change that, he would at least elevate the group. He’s still young, has starting experience, and offers more developmental intrigue than what the Steelers currently have.
The cost to acquire Howell also shouldn’t be too steep. If Seattle is willing to move him for something like a fifth-round pick—or even less—it could be a low-risk, potentially rewarding move for Pittsburgh. That’s especially true in a draft class that many have called underwhelming at quarterback. However, Khan pushed back on that narrative Tuesday, saying he believes this class is stronger than it's being given credit for. Even so, Howell might still be a smart hedge if things don’t break the Steelers’ way in the draft.
Steelers Fans Won't Love The Idea Of Sam Howell
Howell hasn’t exactly lit it up when given opportunities. In 2023, during his first full season as a starter with the Commanders, he threw interceptions 21 times—a concerning number. However, he also showed flashes of potential, throwing for 21 touchdowns and 3,946 yards while completing 63.4% of his passes. There’s still some modest upside there.
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Seahawks QB Sam Howell looks on during practice with the team.
Even if the idea doesn’t excite many Steelers fans, it’s not entirely without merit. If the price is right, Howell could be a worthwhile addition—especially as a low-cost insurance policy in a quarterback room that lacks proven talent. It wouldn’t be a move that signals a major shift, but it might quietly make sense given the team’s current situation.
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