The Pittsburgh Steelers have been stuck in quarterback purgatory ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season. The organization swung and missed on a first-round quarterback in Kenny Pickett, while also getting fairly average play from both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at the position in 2024. Pittsburgh has moved on at quarterback and decided to sign four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers, but the organization also spent a selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on the quarterback position as it picked Will Howard out of Ohio State, fresh off a victory in the National Championship.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Will Howard throws the football during rookie minicamp.
The expectations for Howard are fairly low as he was a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but many thought he would be picked higher than that. Howard has above-average mobility, and his frame is similar to that of Josh Allen. On paper, he has all of the physical tools to be a high-quality quarterback in the NFL, but fans are probably going to have to wait to see him in meaningful action until at least the 2026 season. He spoke to the media in Latrobe on Thursday morning, where he mentioned his comfortability in the offense, and his body.
"I feel like I've just gotten more comfortable in the system and throwing the ball," Howard said. "I've just continued over this offseason, trying to change my body, slim some weight down. I feel like I'm at a good weight right now, I feel really good with where I'm at. I feel like I'm throwing the ball really well. So I'm excited to just go out there and compete, I'm excited."
Howard is going to be in the middle of a competition during training camp, only it won't be for a starting job. He will be competing with both Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the depth chart at quarterback, although it is more than likely that Howard will start the season as the third quarterback no matter what. Rudolph has experience in Pittsburgh, so the backup job is more than likely his, and Thompson will likely be cut.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Will Howard leads the huddle during rookie minicamp in 2025.
Howard will have to perform extremely well throughout training camp, and primarily in the preseason games, in order to land behind Rodgers on the depth chart. The rookie somehow landing the backup gig would be the best thing for the organization, as he would get more reps in practices throughout the year, which will only help in his development. It is a long shot Pittsburgh will be going into the 2026 season relying on Howard to be the team's starter, but he could open some eyes here in 2025 without really playing any meaningful football.
Pittsburgh already knows what it has in Rudolph, as the quarterback spent significant time with the Steelers and has even started a playoff game for the organization. Thompson is an obvious roster cut barring any injuries; there is no excuse not to give Howard a ton of opportunities to show what he has while the team is in Latrobe, PA. Roethlisberger himself has even spoke highly of the rookie, and an opinion like that should hold some weight.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Will Howard looks to pass during rookie minicamp in 2025.
Steelers Are A High-Risk Team In 2025
Pittsburgh has made a ton of changes throughout the 2025 offseason, and there has been some critical positions turned over. The ceiling for the team is high, but so is the floor. There is a chance this experiment does not work out, and Pittsburgh finally finishes a season below .500. If the team seems to be on that track late in the regular season, it has to become a possibility for Howard to get into games, or maybe even get a couple starts under his belt. That could be huge for the future of the organization, although it seems like a long shot to ever happen.
How do you think the quarterback depth chart is going to shake out? Who makes the team? Let us know in the comments below!
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