The Pittsburgh Steelers added a fresh face to their quarterback room by selecting Ohio State Buckeyes signal-caller Will Howard in the sixth round (185th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Howard, who previously played at Kansas State before transferring, had an incredible season with the Buckeyes.
The quarterback threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading the Buckeyes to a national championship. Despite not having a pre-draft visit with Pittsburgh, Howard impressed the team with a strong combine showing and a pre-pro day dinner.
Howard steps into a crowded quarterback room already featuring Mason Rudolph and his former Kansas State teammate Skylar Thompson. Yet, neither veteran has proven quite capable of being a permanent NFL starter leaving a potential path for Howard to win the job.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard performs a drill during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This would change if the Steelers make a move for a veteran quarterback like Aaron Rodgers. NFL rumors are heating up about a potential addition of Rodgers.
According to ESPN, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said the team “may get word soon” on Rodgers’ decision, who is a free agent after his release from the New York Jets.
That would put Howard in a difficult position. If Rodgers signs, the Steelers quarterback room gets even tighter.
“That’s certainly a possibility,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told NFL Network on April 26 regarding the potential addition of Rodgers, per ESPN. “I’m not going to forecast the ifs and whens regarding not only him, but any other potential free agent.
“We’ve had really productive talks with him, and I’ve enjoyed having productive talks with him and getting to know him.”
For Howard, this means his spot is anything but secure and the starting quarterback job would be much more challenging to land.
Still, Howard sounds ready to battle.
“It’s not a matter of what happens out on the field or if I play right away, it’s about getting better and it’s about learning,” Howard said to ESPN.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith also believes in his potential.
“Extremely excited to work with Will,” Smith added.
As a developmental pick, Howard knows his focus is on learning and growing in a challenging environment. If Rodgers joins, the climb gets steeper, but for a quarterback with Howard’s drive, the opportunity to compete in Pittsburgh is far from over.