Steelers Rookie Will Howard Is Very Direct About Aaron Rodgers' Excitement

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially locked in their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Recently, veteran quarterback and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the team. This situation has been the subject of intense media speculation and has drawn significant scrutiny toward the organization in recent weeks. However, with this decision finalized, the Steelers can now shift their focus toward preparing for the season ahead and building momentum for a strong campaign.

Now that offseason programs and minicamp are underway, the media attention naturally follows. Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard recently spoke with reporters about learning the news of the Rodgers acquisition and shared his thoughts and feelings about the big move. Brian Batko took to X to highlight Howard’s response and give fans a closer look at the rookie’s perspective on joining the team alongside a future Hall of Famer.

It’s an exciting time in Pittsburgh as the team begins to build chemistry and camaraderie in the locker room with minicamp just beginning. There’s a noticeable energy around the facility as players start to connect and develop early bonds that will be crucial throughout the season. Many fans are especially eager to see what Howard brings to the table. While there's plenty of excitement surrounding his potential, most fans understand that he’s not going to see the field right away, especially with the recent signing of Rodgers, who is expected to lead the team this season.

Rodgers' contract is only for one year, which makes it clear he’s not the long-term future of the Steelers, a fact that was already widely understood. At 41 years old, Rodgers appears focused on finishing his Hall of Fame career on a high note, especially after a couple of challenging seasons with the New York Jets. Still, this short-term arrangement presents a valuable opportunity for Howard, who now has the chance to learn and grow under the guidance of one of the greatest quarterbacks of this generation.

Howard was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, which has led to some uncertainty about what role he’ll ultimately play for the Steelers. Being a late-round pick often comes with questions about long-term significance, and reports have already surfaced suggesting that the team is eyeing prospects in the 2026 quarterback draft class. Still, despite the doubts and competition, many fans remain eager and optimistic to see what Howard can bring to the field as he begins his NFL journey.

Steelers Have Weapons For Rodgers

The Steelers have been busy making several moves this offseason, including key additions aimed at bolstering their offense. Earlier in the offseason, before the signing of Rodgers was confirmed, Rodgers was spotted throwing passes with the team’s newly acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf, adding to the speculation about his potential arrival in Pittsburgh. Now, one of the biggest questions on the Steelers’ roster is identifying who will join Metcalf as his primary receiving partner, a crucial decision for the quarterbacks as they need to develop strong chemistry with their top targets moving forward.

The Steelers also have several current players on the roster who are beginning to step up during offseason programs. Reports have already suggested that wide receiver Calvin Austin III could emerge as Rodgers’ new version of Randall Cobb, a trusted, versatile target. These offseason sessions are a valuable opportunity for players like Austin to prove themselves and establish strong connections with Rodgers, as well as the other quarterbacks on the roster. Building that rapport now could pay off greatly once the season kicks off.

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