Steelers Have Chance To Reunite Dynamic Receiver With His College Quarterback

With less than two months remaining until the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are hard at work evaluating prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. General Manager Omar Khan and the front office are taking a close look at several key positions, but wide receiver stands out as a major priority. After an inconsistent season from the positional group, Pittsburgh is searching for explosive playmakers who can stretch the field and provide reliability opposite of DK Metcalf. One highly-regarded prospect even mentioned he would love the opportunity to catch passes from his former college teammate at the next level.

The Steelers selected Will Howard with the 185th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and despite being a late-round selection, many fans quickly became intrigued by his upside. 

His size, arm strength, and leadership traits gave supporters hope that he could eventually develop into the franchise quarterback the organization has been searching for. Unfortunately, an injury-plagued rookie campaign prevented Howard from gaining valuable reps and momentum, forcing him to spend much of the season out of sight and out of mind.

As he enters his second NFL season, Howard could find himself with a real opportunity to compete for the starting job in Pittsburgh in 2026. Much of that scenario depends on what Aaron Rodgers ultimately decides about his future. If Rodgers chooses to retire, the path would become much clearer for Howard to step into a leadership role and potentially guide the Steelers into their next chapter.

That possibility is especially intriguing when considering Howard’s history with one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class, wide receiver Carnell Tate. Widely projected as a top-five selection in several mock drafts, Tate may not be available when Pittsburgh picks at 21st overall. Still, if the Steelers were aggressive and explored a trade up the board, a reunion could at least become apart of the conversation.

Howard and Tate already share proven chemistry, as the duo helped lead Ohio State to a National Championship in 2024. While speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, Tate made it clear he wouldn’t mind running it back with his former quarterback.

"Will's my guy," Tate said. "All me and Will do is joke around with each other. We call each other and make fun of each other. It's a great relationship with Will. I miss him. It would be great to catch passes with Will. I’ve done it before.”

Beyond the sentimental value of a potential reunion with Howard, Tate would offer immediate, tangible production to a Steelers wide receiver room that struggled mightily in 2025. Pittsburgh’s passing attack lacked consistency, separation, and explosive plays, often forcing the offense into predictable situations. Too frequently, receivers failed to create space at the top of routes, and the unit had difficulty converting on third down or generating yards after the catch. 

Defenses crowded the line of scrimmage, daring the Steelers to beat them over the top and too often, they couldn’t. Tate would change that dynamic from Day 1. His polished route running, strong hands, and ability to win in contested catch situations would instantly elevate the reliability of the position group. He has the speed to stretch the field vertically and the physicality to work the middle, which would give Pittsburgh a versatile weapon who can line up both outside and in the slot. 

More importantly, Tate brings big-game experience and confidence, traits that can energize a locker room looking for playmakers. After a lackluster 2025 campaign from the receiver room, adding a talent like Tate could provide the spark, stability, and star potential the Steelers offense desperately needs.

Steelers Could Strike Gold With Howard-Tate Duo

The Steelers have been home to several legendary quarterback and wide receiver pairings throughout the franchise’s storied history. From Terry Bradshaw connecting with Lynn Swann during the dynasty years of the 1970s to Ben Roethlisberger’s electric partnership with Antonio Brown in the 2010s, elite chemistry between passer and playmaker has often fueled the organization’s offensive success.

As Pittsburgh searches for its next identity on offense, the possibility of another dynamic tandem emerging is hard to ignore. If development and opportunity align, Howard and Tate could eventually step into that spotlight. Their previous success together and natural on-field connection offer a foundation that could grow into something special at the professional level.

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