Steelers Now
All 90 is a Steelers Now series profiling each of the 90 members of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 offseason roster. Next up is QB Will Howard.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room has been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, not only due to the arrival of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers but also because of growing intrigue surrounding sixth-round pick Will Howard.
From the start, Howard has embraced the process and appears ready to do whatever it takes to succeed as an NFL quarterback.
“I was hoping in my heart that they’d pick me,” Howard said. “On that rookie show, they showed a clip of me basically begging Pittsburgh to pick me. It’s a long three days, and you never know what’s going to happen. But I’m blessed, man.”
Rodgers is the clear starter heading into Week 1. While veteran Mason Rudolph is currently slotted as the backup due to his experience, a training camp competition could emerge if Howard adapts quickly to the pro game.
Even the most successful young quarterbacks have benefited from learning behind established veterans early in their careers. Patrick Mahomes developed behind Alex Smith. Lamar Jackson started behind Joe Flacco. Jordan Love waited behind Rodgers in Green Bay.
Could Howard follow a similar path, learning from Rodgers now and eventually taking over as the Steelers’ quarterback of the future?
At first glance, there’s plenty to like about Howard. He’s coming off a prolific college career that included a national championship run and has the prototypical size NFL teams covet. Still, concerns about his mechanics and ability to process NFL coverages contributed to his fall in the draft.
He remains committed to getting better.
“I’m just starting to settle in and get more comfortable with the calls and the flow of the offense,” Howard said. “So yeah, man, I’m just excited to keep working and keep getting better.”
6-foot-4, 238 pounds, 23 years old,
Acquired:
Howard was selected with the No. 185 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
College:
Howard began his career at Kansas State, where he started 28 games over three seasons. He threw for 5,786 yards and 67 touchdowns, and accounted for 4,010 yards of total offense. His best season came as a junior, when he led the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship and set the school record for total touchdowns in a season (48).
Following that campaign, Howard transferred to Ohio State for his senior season, a move that proved wise. He led the Buckeyes to a national championship and set the program’s single-season record for completion percentage (71%).
Howard had an electric senior season, guiding Ohio State to 14 wins and a national title. He delivered standout performances in marquee games against Notre Dame and Oregon, elevating his draft stock and catching the attention of NFL scouts across the league.
Pre-Draft: Will Howard did not participate in the Senior Bowl but was active at the NFL...
