The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the teams in the NFL that do not have a clear-cut franchise quarterback. The franchise has been looking for one for years, but over the last two seasons, the strategy at the position has been to bring in veterans to be the starter. For the 2025 season, it is Aaron Rodgers, who had a good year in 2024 despite what some NFL fans might say. He is the unquestioned starter at quarterback, but Steelers fans are also pretty excited about rookie quarterback Will Howard, who has some promising physical attributes and is coming off of a National Championship.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Howard was drafted by Pittsburgh in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, which was lower than many thought he would go. The expectations for him are low as day three selection, but he seems like a player that could shock some people with his play.
He has some speed and is mobile in the backfield, and he has a similar frame to Josh Allen. If he can pick up a thing or two from Rodgers, he might have a chance to be the next quarterback in Pittsburgh. He has impressed throughout the start of training camp, and that continued on Saturday as he found JJ Galbreath in the end zone during Seven Shots.
#Steelers 7 shots
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) July 26, 2025
-low snap, Rodgers threw away, Frazier pulled
-Rodgers TD right side to Metcalf
-8 floats pass to Darnell TD back end zone
-Mason-great coverage, threw away
-Mason pass to Heyward, caught, but didn’t get 2 feet in
-Howard middle slant TD Galbreath
-Frazier…
Galbreath is an undrafted, rookie tight end, and he has had a pretty impressive training camp up until this point as well. He should have a decent chance to make the roster, although the tight end room is pretty packed. However, all the focus is going to be on the rookie quarterback that is making plays. Fans will need to soak up everything they can from Howard for now, once the regular season starts it is unlikely he will see the field.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Will Howard tries on his helmet in Pittsburgh for the first time.
Howard began training camp as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart, and he has already surpassed Skylar Thompson, which should be expected. It is unlikely he moves ahead of Mason Rudolph as the primary backup to Rodgers, but if his play continues to improve it is not out of the realm of possibility. Howard has already become a fan favorite as the fan base is hopeful he could be the future at quarterback for the Steelers, which has been clear based on training camp.
Fans go wild as Will Howard takes the field for team pass. Loudest cheer of the day. He proceeded to throw a completion and the crowd erupts again.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) July 26, 2025
It is safe to say the fan base in Pittsburgh is desperate for a franchise quarterback, and the expectations and hope being instilled in Howard is a bit unrealistic. However, anything is possible. It was just three seasons ago that the San Francisco 49ers found their franchise quarterback with the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College.
Steelers Hope To See Howard Continue To Stack Good Days
Head Coach Mike Tomlin always discusses players stacking good days of practice, and how that is one of the keys to winning. If Howard can continue to do that there is a chance he can move into the backup role behind Rodgers. This would be good for the organization as it would give the rookie more reps in practice, and it could even mean that he would see the field.
This could give the organization some more clarity at the position moving forward, which is critical as the franchise is expected to have 12 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What do you think of Howard so far? Let us know in the comments below!
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