ESPN Source: Steelers' Front Office Focused On Will Howard

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been caught up in a quarterback debacle once again throughout the 2026 offseason. Pittsburgh is still waiting for Aaron Rodgers, but it's rumored that he will more than likely be back. However, he will probably sign a one-year deal, leaving the Black and Gold without a clear option at quarterback in 2027 and beyond. All options are on the table, as General Manager Omar Khan and his partner-in-crime Andy Weidl should hope next year's quarterback class is much deeper than the current group. 

The Steelers have a young quarterback on their existing roster who could compete for a starting job next year. Their 2025 sixth-round pick, Will Howard, is an option there. Howard was a National Champion in college at Ohio State and has been an intriguing prospect for Pittsburgh. 

He's yet to see any NFL action, but fans seem to have confidence in him. The intangibles are there; he has a big frame and is a good pocket passer who has the ability to extend plays. Fans aren't the only ones confident in Howard. In a recent snippet of an NFL Draft article by ESPN's Matt Miller, he revealed what the Steelers' front office thinks of Howard. 

"One internal source said that they won't be forced to draft [a quarterback] this year," Miller wrote. "That source noted Pittsburgh will play the board first and that Will Howard, last year's sixth-round pick, has fans in the front office." 

Howard played very well in big games in college. His big-name numbers were vey favorable. But he hasn't seen any play in the pros besides Steelers' practice. This confidence in him is a good sign for his future in Pittsburgh, but this preseason will tell just what the team has in Howard. If he has what it takes, it could really throw a wrench in the franchise's quarterback plans. 

It might make them think twice about spending valuable draft capital on a gunslinger in the 2027 draft if he proves that he could be a potential starter. If he has a good preseason, that won't dictate the Steelers not going quarterback completely in 2027, but it could make them take a second look or maybe even commit. 

Howard's sixth-round selection is what makes him really interesting. He proved he could play in college, but every team passed up on him several times in the draft. The front office having so much confidence in him is very intriguing. Did they see something that fans don't? 

The chance to see him play will answer a lot of questions. If he can make the tight window throws and make the right reads against NFL defenses, then there could be a future star blossoming. But it will all come down to whether or not he makes professional throws and can go through his progressions. His ability to be a leader and command an offense will be something to look out for. 

The nod of confidence from the organization will help Howard's own confidence when it comes to looking to get better. He has the perfect head coach to learn from, and he could be unlocked in this offense. The team went out and loaded up on weapons in free agency and probably will add more through the draft. The Steelers are loading up on skill players to ensure whoever plays under center that they're set up for success. 

Steelers Should Wait On Quarterback Until 2027

If Rodgers comes back, they'll run it back with him in 2026. He played well enough for Pittsburgh that he brought it to the playoffs and won an AFC North divisional title. The quarterback draft class is just too weak to spend expensive draft capital on someone who could be a true reach. 

The prospects in the 2026 class are really raw, and the Steelers need someone who is NFL-ready and can work to improve, but is still going to be competitive. This just isn't the year to do that, as there would be a quarterback room where a rookie doesn't really fit in. 

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