As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue preparing for the the start of the 2025 season, the team faces depth issues on offense. With Mason Rudolph currently projected as the Steelers' starting quarterback for Week 1, Pittsburgh has been closely monitoring free agency in hopes of acquiring a veteran, starting-caliber quarterback. While free agent Aaron Rodgers continues to evaluate his options, Steelers rookie Will Howard continues to turn heads and shine as he fights toward a starting role.
ESPN
Steelers' Will Howard throws the football during the College Football Playoff.
With the Steelers' current quarterback room consisting of Rudolph, Howard, and Skylar Thompson, the team is expected to have a better understanding as to who the starter will be in the near future.
With frustration continuing to mount and Rodgers yet to make a decision on his future, many people around the league have expressed their growing concerns with the Steelers' quarterback room entering 2025. With no true starting quarterback at the team's current disposal, NFL analyst John Middlekauff weighed in on Pittsburgh's situation.
"Why not just draft a quarterback every year in the top couple of rounds?" Middlekauff stated. "Just until you figure it out at the position. You got to take some swings. Or, let's just re-sign Mason Rudolph. This is not going to work guys."
Rodgers expected to make a decision regarding his future sooner rather than later, the Steelers should receive an update on their starting quarterback situation one way or another. Should Rodgers chose to retire or sign elsewhere, the Steelers may very well find themselves starting a rookie quarterback in 2025.
As Howard continues to shine and unleash his full potential, the former Buckeye continues to emerge as one of the top starting options in the Steelers' quarterback room. Howard, who was drafted with the 185th overall pick in the sixth round, is a five-year college veteran who spent time at both Kansas State and Ohio State. The former Buckeye led his team to a National Championship in his final season, as Howard was considered to be one of the many late-round steals of the draft.
AP
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin meets with former New York Jets quarterback and Steelers' top free agent target Aaron Rodgers after a game during the 2024 NFL season.
Steelers' Offensive Issues Remain As Training Camp Draws Closer
While depth issues in the quarterback room continue to be a top priority for the Steelers, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff find themselves lacking talent in the wide receiver room as well. After trading star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers' wide receiver room features little to no depth outside of DK Metcalf.
Metcalf, who was traded to Pittsburgh earlier in the offseason after a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to make a major impact on the Steelers' offense in 2025. With the rest of the wide receiver room consisting of Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin lll and Robert Woods, the Steelers may turn to free agency in hopes of acquiring a veteran receiver that can produce at an effective rate.
One name who may emerge as a top priority for Pittsburgh is Keenan Allen. Coming off a lone season with the Chicago Bears, Allen finds himself among the top wide receivers that are currently still available as a free agent. Allen, who was credited with 744 yards and seven touchdowns last season, would add an instant boost to the Steelers' offense and would likely become an elite second option at wide receiver behind Metcalf.
As multiple veteran options remain available prior to the start of training camp, fans should keep a close eye on the Steelers' wide receiver room moving forward. With Metcalf officially cementing himself as the Steelers' clear cut wide receiver one, the team may look to evaluate the talent that is already on the roster as well.
UPI
Steelers' DK Metcalf makes a one handed grab during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Do you think the Steelers should Sign Rodgers? Do you think Pittsburgh should give Howard a shot at the starting role, or do you trust Rudolph moving forward? Let us know in the comments below!
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