The Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves in a ton of headlines throughout the 2025 season thanks to the organization's pursuit of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The four-time NFL MVP was looking for a place to seemingly end his career, and the Steelers gave him the best option when it comes to playing winning football. He contemplated some other spots for a while, and retirement was also on his mind. He weighed his options for nearly three months, but he finally chose to sign with Pittsburgh, which is what was expected by many.
Dustin Satloff / Getty Images
Aaron Rodgers warms up before the New York Jets' preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Steelers have been in quarterback purgatory ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. The organization has already missed on a high draft pick in Kenny Pickett, while also trying to bring in some veteran options. Rodgers is a metaphorical Band-Aid at the position as he is on a one-year deal and is nearing the end of his career, so the organization is also thinking about the future of the quarterback position. This is partly why Pittsburgh drafted Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, although the expectations are typically low for a late-round selection. Rodgers spoke about Howard during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.
"He's had a lot of great success at the college level," Rodgers said. "I was impressed by him. He worked once the rookies came out in May, I thought he looked really sharp. He made a lot of great throws. I think there is definitely some things I can help him with, some things that are different at the pro level. Love to help Will, and set him up to have a chance to be the guy for the next, who knows how long."
Rodgers has liked what he has seen from the young rookie quarterback, but he understands that there is still plenty of room for Howard to grow. Rodgers can help him refine his game so that it better fits the professional level, and that could set Pittsburgh up at the quarterback position for years to come.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) and Will Howard (right) participating in drills during 2025 mini camp
Some fans were not happy with the signing of Rodgers, and he might not help the Steelers hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the 2025 season, but he can still have an impact on the organization for years to come. If Howard can turn into a franchise quarterback for Pittsburgh, Rodgers' stint in the Steel City will be more than worth it.
Throughout Rodgers' interview he had plenty of great things to say about Howard. He seems to respect what the quarterback did throughout his college career, and he gets to guide the young signal-caller through the start of his professional career. Rodgers has already shown how he can be a great mentor. He was close with Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, and the way he treated Zach Wilson on Hard Knocks ahead of the 2023 season might be the perfect example overall. Looking back on that should get Pittsburgh fans excited about the relationships within the quarterback room.
Steelers' Will Howard Is Set Up To Exceed Expectations
Howard does not have high expectations as a sixth-round draft pick. Many expect him to just be a career backup, but he definitely has his eyes set higher than that. He has all the physical tools and characteristics of a great NFL quarterback, and under Rodgers' tutelage, he can certainly reach that point. Howard just needs an opportunity to show what he can do, and he should get one during the 2026 season.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Will Howard drops back during his rookie minicamp in 2025.
Pittsburgh will probably look to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the organization doesn't just give starting jobs to rookies. Howard and a rookie will probably be involved in a competition ahead of the season a year from now, and Howard could cease the opportunity in order to further his professional career.
What do you think about Rodgers' comments on Howard? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
