NFL Coach Says Steelers' Will Howard Has 1 Big Issue That Is Setting Him Up For Failure In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers have publicly come off as an organization that has a true affinity for its third-string quarterback from 2025. Will Howard was a sixth-round selection who didn't see the field once due to a broken hand in the preseason of his rookie campaign. He may have had an opportunity to play in Week 18 had the team not needed to win the game for an AFC North title, but that didn't end up happening. Now, all fans can do is listen to top decision-makers rave about how excited they all are to get to work with him, even though Aaron Rodgers will likely be the organization's starter in 2026.

There have been thoughts as to why the Steelers' brass may seem so high on Howard. The non-conspiracy theory has to do with the quarterback actually having talent and a future as a starter in the NFL. Some are considering the fact that the team also might be using him in the media to remove itself from the conversation about signal-callers in the 2026 NFL Draft such as Ty Simpson. This alleged smokescreen would be used to the Steelers' advantage.

Overall, there is a ton of talk about a player who hasn't had the opportunity to take a meaningful snap yet — not even in the preseason. If Rodgers does return, it will be interesting to see if Howard does end up actually getting named as the top backup. The draft will also provide some clarity about how the franchise truly feels about the youngster.

Someone doesn't get picked up as late as the sixth round by accident. Despite the famous story of Tom Brady falling all the way down the board, quarterbacks that get taken that late typically don't pan out. NFL reporter and insider Aditi Kinkhabwala joined The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller on Wednesday to talk about Pittsburgh, and she had a very interesting comment about how those around the league, especially one coach in particular, feel about Howard.

"The staff [for the Steelers] last year really really liked Will Howard," Kinkhabwala said. "I've only heard good things about Will Howard. The only knock I have ever heard on him is, 'Does he have the arm strength to compete in the AFC North outside?' I mean, I had a coach tell me that he thought [Howard] would be a great starter in a dome, but how bright he is, how he has all of the intangibles."

Most of this is good news on the surface, but an anonymous NFL coach telling Kinkhabwala that Howard's arm strength will not get him anywhere in windy conditions should absolutely raise concern.

Howard did play at Ohio State University and played his high school football in Pennsylvania, so he is certainly used to playing in windy and cold conditions. However, everything speeds up at the professional level. Kinkhabwala still doubled down on her comments about the staff in the Steel City really enjoying Howard's first year with the organization.

"I'm telling you. I know that the staff last year really really liked him," Kinkhabwala noted. "Thought he was great in the room. Thought he had all of the intangibles you want; really really smart, quick learner, good leadership ability."

The complicated part for Pittsburgh will come when and if Rodgers returns for another year. Then, he will be the starter and Howard might not get much of a chance to prove himself. Then, the Steelers will be tasked with the tough decision of taking a first-round quarterback in 2027, who would undoubtedly get preferential treatment over the 2025 sixth-rounder.

Steelers' Decision-Makers Are The Only Ones Who Really Know What's Going On With Howard

Time will tell what Pittsburgh's true intentions are with Howard. Anything out in the open is out there because that is exactly what the franchise wants everyone to think. Only a select few truly know if the young signal-caller has a future as the team's starting quarterback. For now, fans may have to wait another year, especially if Rodgers comes back.

#SteelerNation