The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL, and it was clear that that was the case ever since Justin Fields decided to sign with the New York Jets in free agency. Pittsburgh wanted no part of Russell Wilson, and players like Sam Darnold and Matthew Stafford had no interest in coming to Pittsburgh. Ever since that first week of free agency the organization has been in communication with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he continues to make a decision on his future, while Mason Rudolph is penciled in to be the starter in 2025.
Kareem Elgazzar / The Enquirer / USA Today Network
Mason Rudolph keeps his eyes downfield for a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023.
It still seems like Rodgers will be signing in Pittsburgh at some point in the near future, but that didn't stop the organization from drafting a developmental prospect at quarterback. The franchise selected Will Howard in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, but he was expected to go a bit earlier than that. During the pre-draft process it was reported that the team loved Howard, and that is clear now that he is going to be wearing the black and gold to begin his professional career.
If Rodgers does not sign, Howard is probably in one of the better situations that a sixth round quarterback could be in. An unreliable starter in front of him, and an organization that is desperate for hope at quarterback. He has already shown his desire to be great as Pittsburgh's quarterbacks coach Tom Arth had to tell him to take a break right after being drafted, according to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer written by Devin Jackson.
"On Sunday, Howard reached out to Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth for plays, according to his mother, much to the delight of the Steelers coaching staff." Arth wrote Will back and said, 'Hey, we were going to give you the weekend off, but this is why we drafted you, because it's the kind of worker you are.'"
It is a good sign to see a quarterback already itching to get his hands on the playbook. He wants to get to work right away, which is something he was praised for coming out of Ohio State. He was always a hard worker that elevated the players around him, which is something the organization wants to see him bring to Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' Will Howard runs the field during his time playing with the Buckeyes in college.
Howard already has some connections within the Steelers organization. Arth recruited Howard out of high school when he was the head coach at Akron. The quarterback wound up choosing to go to Kansas State, but that was a connection that lasted and now the two get to work together again.
The ideal developmental quarterback prospect is Howard. His pedigree is off the charts as he led the Buckeyes to a victory in the National Championship, and he also has plenty of experience as a starter at the college level. He has some mobility, but he doesn't rely on it too much. He should be able to come in a learn quickly, and he could become one of the more reliable backups in the NFL.
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Steelers' Will Howard throws a pass during his final college season in 2024 with Ohio State.
Steelers' Will Howard Should Be Hoping Aaron Rodgers Decides Not To Sign
Howard is going to need reps with Pittsburgh in order to get better, and maybe even become the starter one day. If Rodgers does not sign and Rudolph is the starter, there is a very good chance that Howard will be on the field at some point.
More importantly, as the backup he will actually get to take some snaps at practice. If Rodgers were to sign, Howard would be the third quarterback on the depth chart. The third quarterback barely sees the field at practice, which would make it nearly impossible for Howard to develop throughout his rookie year.
What are your expectations for Howard and his NFL career? Let us know in the comments below!
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