The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the more interesting quarterback situations in the NFL heading into Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The organization has been waiting on a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as it has been known that the two sides are interested in one another. In the meantime, Pittsburgh signed Mason Rudolph and also selected Will Howard in the sixth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite being a sixth-round selection, the fan base is excited about Howard, and he has been making a good impression so far.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookies Kaleb Johnson and Will Howard during the first day of rookie minicamp in 2025.
Howard is currently the backup in Pittsburgh, but that could change depending on what Rodgers decides to do. There is no denying that the rookie has won over the fan base, and that began when he joined Ben Roethlisberger on his podcast Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger earlier this month. He and the former Pittsburgh quarterback have stayed in contact, and Roethlisberger has been helping the rookie out. Howard shared some information about their relationship during an interview with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show.
"We actually have the same agent, so we got connected through that," Howard explained. "He's been really good. He's been super supportive of me through this whole process. Throughout now being a Steeler, like getting to know him, he's been really helpful for me. He texted me checking last week, you know, just been a really good mentor. I can see him being a good mentor for me going forward. He's been super nice to me so far."
This is good to hear for Howard, as Roethlisberger wasn't as supportive of Kenny Pickett when the organization drafted him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was supposed to be the successor to Roethlisberger, and the former quarterback publicly stated he was rooting against Pickett at first. The future Hall of Famer has gotten off to a better start with Howard, and hopefully the two form a good relationship.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard participates in rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Howard has a long way to go when it comes to his NFL career. There is no guarantee he will see the field at all during his rookie year, especially if Rodgers ends up signing in Pittsburgh. However, the quarterback has his sights set on having a great career. He mentioned a story about how he was at Roethlisberger's house and he saw a room with two Lombardi Trophies and a bunch of jerseys, and he has the desire to have the same room in his house one day.
The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh should be pretty wide open going into the 2026 season, and Howard will likely be considered for the starting job if he is able to play like he did in college. The rookie will be able to learn throughout the 2025 season, and hopefully implement that knowledge going into 2026.
Steelers Need To Give Will Howard A Chance To Develop
Howard needs to be able to develop, especially throughout his rookie year. This is why he should be given the backup quarterback job, even if Rodgers ends up signing. Third-string quarterbacks barely get any snaps during practice, and that is not something the Steelers can afford when it comes to Howard. The franchise already knows what it has in Rudolph, therefore there is no reason to give him an extensive look throughout practices.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Will Howard during rookie minicamp in 2025.
If Howard is buried in the depth chart, he will have no chance to develop properly and become a better player at the NFL level. He needs a chance to shine, and hopefully the coaching staff gives it to him. The quarterback won a National Championship for a reason, and he should be given an opportunity to prove he can be successful in the NFL too.
What do you think about Howard's relationship with Roethlisberger? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
