Steelers' Will Howard Delivered Impressive Performance At Organized Team Activities: "Really Good"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines on Thursday when they finally got a deal done with Aaron Rodgers to be their quarterback for the 2025 season. This saga had lasted the entire 2025 offseason and left Steeler Nation in a great deal of uncertainty. Now that the Steelers have their starter figured out for the 2025 season, the depth chart starts to get interesting. The Steelers have Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson on their QB depth chart.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero joined The Rich Eisen Show on Friday to detail what he heard about Howard during Organized Team Activities. Pelissero shared that Howard impressed coaches with his poise and accuracy, showing significant development since being drafted. His growth could make him a valuable asset for the Steelers as they look to build a solid quarterback room behind Rodgers.

With Rodgers set to lead the offense, the Steelers now have a clearer path forward. Yet, the competition among Rudolph, Howard, and Thompson will be fierce as each quarterback fights for a backup role and the chance to prove themselves. Steeler fans will be watching closely to see who emerges as the next potential starter or key contributor in the coming seasons.

"From everything I've been told, this was a really good time for Will Howard, the Ohio State quarterback coming off a national title," NFL insider Tom Pelissero told Rich Eisen Friday. "Even though Mason Rudolph was taking the No. 1 reps, it sounds like Howard was really good through those practices. He'll continue to get, I anticipate, a bunch of reps in the minicamp next week."

The Steelers selected Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite having opportunities to target higher-rated quarterback prospects, Pittsburgh chose to remain patient and avoid reaching. Instead, they found tremendous value in Howard, a proven National Championship quarterback with a strong pedigree.

Pelissero noted that although Howard got off to a slow start during Organized Team Activities, he quickly settled in and began showing confidence on the field. His comfort level increased as the sessions progressed, catching the attention of coaches and insiders alike.

According to Pelissero, there’s a clear path for Howard to eventually take over as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. With Rodgers leading the team in 2025, Howard could develop behind him and be positioned to assume the reins down the line, making him a promising long-term option for Pittsburgh.

"Potentially you might have, whenever the succession plan takes effect 2026 or beyond, maybe with a sixth-round pick you might've found a guy in Will Howard," Pelissero said. "Who somewhere down the line could be the guy who takes the reins from Aaron Rodgers."

Howard is one of the biggest winners in the Rodgers deal. The young quarterback now faces absolutely zero pressure to perform early in his career with the Steelers. 

He can sit back, study the playbook, and soak up invaluable advice from a four-time league MVP. It’s the perfect scenario for a sixth-round pick with potential and hype.

Steelers' Will Howard In A Great Spot After Aaron Rodgers News Comes Out

Whether Howard ever gets the chance to be a full-time starter in Pittsburgh remains uncertain and might still be a stretch. But what sets him apart is his relentless work ethic and willingness to improve no matter what. Being in this ideal environment, learning behind Rodgers, gives many Steeler fans real confidence in his long-term development.

Even if Howard settles into the role of a reliable backup, that alone would be a huge win considering where he was drafted. Bringing Rodgers to Pittsburgh creates a rare opportunity for Howard to learn from one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. There are plenty of hidden victories in this move to bring in Rodgers for the Steelers and their promising young QB.

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