Steelers Rookie Will Howard Expected To Take Snaps With Starters Ahead Of 2025 NFL Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the most problematic quarterback room in the league. It is nearly impossible to imagine the team winning key games with the way the room is currently formulated, but that could all change if veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers ends up signing in Pittsburgh. All signs point to him eventually inking a deal with the Steelers, but it is hard to determine when exactly that might happen. Pittsburgh's Organized Team Activities (OTAs) begin on May 27th, and some expect the four-time league MVP to sign by then.

Rodgers has notably not been a fan of OTAs in the past, but he might want to attend them in Pittsburgh to get to know his new teammates. If he misses out on OTAs, the next important date on the schedule would be June 10th, which is when mandatory minicamp begins. If Rodgers misses OTAs, and maybe even minicamp, it would present better opportunities for other players on the roster at the position. This mainly applies to Mason Rudolph, as well as rookie quarterback Will Howard.

If Rodgers somehow doesn't end up in Pittsburgh at all, Rudolph would likely be the starter for Week 1. No Rodgers at OTAs or minicamp means Rudolph will run with the starting offense, but insider Mike DeFabo believes Howard will as well, which he wrote in a recent article for The Athletic.

"Mason Rudolph, who threw nine touchdowns and nine interceptions for a passer rating of 80.4 last year in Tennessee, would likely lead the first-team offense. The Steelers have thrown their support behind Rudolph often this offseason. Meanwhile, rookie Will Howard would probably also see more meaningful reps with the second team (and even some first-team reps) if Rodgers doesn’t sign in the next couple of days."

Rodgers signing with Pittsburgh ahead of OTAs and showing up for the week would be a bit of a surprise to many. A quarterback might want to grow his chemistry with his new team, but he can do that at mandatory minicamp, which is where most analysts believe Rodgers will be in Pittsburgh. His potential absence in OTAs will give the coaching staff a chance to get a good look at Howard as DeFabo expects him to take snaps with the first-team offense in limited reps to begin.

Howard getting some reps with the first-team offense in OTAs doesn't necessarily mean much early, other than the fact that the coaching staff will be able to see what he can do versus stiffer competition. Pittsburgh's coaching staff has generally been stubborn in recent years, so even if Rodgers doesn't end up signing, it is hard to imagine Head Coach Mike Tomlin will give Howard a fair shot to replace Rudolph as the starter heading into September. That veteran presence and leadership is highly valued in the Steel City. 

It will be interesting to see what reporters have to say about Howard after the conclusion of OTAs, as the rookie quarterback seemed to command the huddle well during rookie minicamp. If he can do the same with the veterans, that'd be impressive moving forward.

Steelers Could Be Prioritizing Developing Will Howard

There is no question that Howard has all of the raw tools and traits to be a good quarterback in the NFL. He has the stature and frame, and he has above-average mobility as well. Those things are almost prerequisites when it comes to playing the position in the modern-day NFL. Pittsburgh already planning on throwing him in with the starters for some exposure is a good sign too, as the coaching staff is likely wanting to develop him to see where he can get to throughout the 2025 season. 

Howard will likely need a year to sit back and learn, but if he shows considerable signs of improvement early on, it could make the quarterback situation going into the 2026 season very interesting.

What do you think about Howard taking snaps with the first-team offense? Let us know in the comments below!

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