Steelers Fans Astounded By What Ben Roethlisberger Just Said About Will Howard And His Future In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers had many pundits convinced they might draft a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, Pittsburgh stayed patient and waited until the sixth round to select Will Howard, a developmental prospect with impressive upside. While sixth-round quarterbacks rarely generate major buzz, Howard is already turning heads because of the way he carries himself and what he accomplished in the 2024 college football season by leading Ohio State to a national championship.

Despite that success, Howard watched several quarterbacks with less impressive college careers get drafted before him. That hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger. The former Super Bowl champion has made it clear that he believes Howard was a great pick and a potential steal. Roethlisberger has praised Howard’s poise, maturity, and leadership, and said this week on his podcast Footbahlin that he is still fully on the Howard bandwagon.

Roethlisberger also acknowledged the challenge Howard faces. With Aaron Rodgers expected to start and Mason Rudolph firmly in place as the backup, there may not be many reps available for the rookie early on. Still, Roethlisberger’s endorsement carries weight in Pittsburgh. If Howard continues to impress behind the scenes, he may force the Steelers to give him a real opportunity down the line.

"But again, I am still on the Will Howard bandwagon," Roethlisberger said. "I want to see him play because I think he’s going to have a very good chance to be good."

Roethlisberger did point out that it’s not going to be an easy road for Howard in the Steel City. He believes Howard would need to get lucky and be forced into action early in order to truly get a shot. 

However, if that opportunity comes, Roethlisberger is holding stock that Howard could surprise many and develop into a respectable quarterback prospect in this league.

"Aaron [Rodgers] would have to get hurt and we don't want that," Roethlisberger said. "Will would have to play and play well. Otherwise they are probably going to go draft a quarterback high. When they draft a quarterback high, they are never, well never is strong... They are most likely, very very strongly most likely, not going to put the sixth-rounder in above a high draft pick."

It’s no secret that General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin are keeping a close eye on the 2026 NFL Draft in search of a true franchise quarterback. That class is expected to feature several high-end prospects, many of whom are viewed as potential faces of an NFL franchise for years to come.

The Steelers are projected to have 12 draft picks in 2026, giving them more than enough capital to move up the board if they fall in love with a particular quarterback. How that situation unfolds will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch. Howard could become part of that conversation. If he starts to impress behind the scenes or in limited opportunities, the Steelers may begin to take a longer look at what they already have in-house.

Steelers' Will Howard Isn't Going To Have It Easy In Pittsburgh

Still, as Roethlisberger pointed out, if the Steelers are eyeing a more dynamic prospect with higher upside, they won’t make it easy for Howard. That’s simply the business side of the NFL. Teams are always searching for the next big thing, and unless Howard forces their hand, Pittsburgh’s long-term plans at quarterback likely will lie elsewhere.

Howard has the mindset and belief in himself, but he fell to the sixth round for a reason. Some believe he was a steal and shouldn’t have dropped that far. Now, the story is in Howard’s hands. While it won’t be easy for him to climb the depth chart or beat out a future high draft pick, it is certainly possible, and Steelers fans are excited to watch the plot unfold.

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