The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to head into the 2025 NFL regular season, and they have high hopes after some big offseason additions. Whether it be signing Aaron Rodgers to be the quarterback for 2025, or the impressive 2025 draft class coming in, Steeler Nation expects this year to finally be the season to return to playoff success. Even with those expectations however, focus still needs to remain on the future of the quarterback position for the Steelers beyond this upcoming campaign.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith (right) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Throughout the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers were thought to have interest in selecting a quarterback early. After they passed on some interesting options in the first round, that speculation died down a little bit. Once the sixth round came around however, the team elected to select Will Howard out of The Ohio State University to add to their quarterback room. At the time, the team didn't have Rodgers yet in the fold.
Howard received a ton of love from the fans and some of the media as he was entering the NFL fresh off a very impressive College Football Playoff run that resulted in winning a National Championship for the Buckeyes. However, the hype around Howard quickly deflated after he injured his throwing hand during training camp and was unable to participate in any of the Steelers' 2025 preseason games.
Despite the injury, Howard himself isn't looking at the 2025 season any differently. Howard always had realistic expectations with a future Hall of Famer atop the depth chart in front of him. While joining The Pat McAfee Show from Ohio Stadium, Howard was asked on his approach to this season after the hand injury.
"I think all along, I was looking at this season as a developmental year," said Howard on the 2025 NFL season. "I think we all kind of were with the Steelers. Obviously, you don't bring in Aaron Rodgers for no reason. He is a guy that is coming in to be the guy, at least for this year. We don't know what it will look like going forward."
Some players might have gotten caught up in the moment, fresh off a title in college and the fans hyping them up as a future franchise quarterback, but Howard appears to have always been well aware of the situation he is in and so were the Steelers.
As a standard sixth-round pick, very few people would be expecting that player to have an impact in their rookie season. That doesn't mean that impact players in their rookie season are impossible to find, but it is usually an uphill battle for players selected that late, especially a quarterback.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (8) and Will Howard (18) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
There is a unique opportunity for Howard to learn from one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL, and he went on to say he is looking to capitalize on the opportunity.
"I am going into this season saying I want to learn everything I possibly can from Aaron. Just watch the way he goes about his business," explained Howard.
Many have critiqued Rodgers over the years for his ability to be a great teammate, mostly coming from the media. Howard however, has said on multiple occasions that Rodgers has been doing everything he can to help him, and he is diving in head first. Howard is likely learning a lot from backup quarterback Mason Rudolph as well. Rudolph has primarily been a backup throughout his career, and while everyone would love to be the starting quarterback, if Howard were to latch onto a similar career path to Rudolph, it would likely be deemed a success due to his draft position.
Steelers Can Still Be A Threat With An Aging Rodgers
It is clear that many aren't sold on the Steelers being legit contenders with Rodgers at the helm. He is now 41 years old, and coming off some very disappointing seasons with the New York Jets. His arm talent is still incredibly high, and he is still going to be one of the best quarterbacks in the game from a mental standpoint.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
While Rodgers may not be able to replicate his previous MVP seasons, there is still high level play to be had for the future Hall of Famer with a team eying to get back to postseason success.
Let us know what you think about Howard being wise and considering 2025 a developmental year below!
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