Steelers Insider Reveals The 1 Player Will Howard Must Emulate To Secure His Future In Pittsburgh
With a Pittsburgh Steelers fan base hungry for stability under center and a front office eyeing the future, the tension surrounding the quarterback room feels more like Week 1 than Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Every throw in minicamp, every snap in training, carries weight. However, beyond the usual position battles and preseason optimism, something bigger is brewing: a quiet urgency that this year might define the next decade for the Black and Gold.
In the swirling uncertainty of the Steelers’ quarterback situation, a recent remark from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette analyst Ray Fittipaldo has captured attention.
"[Will] Howard would have to play so well that he'd have to convince them he's the next Tom Brady for them not to move up next year," Fittipaldo explained.
This statement underscores the immense pressure on rookie quarterback Will Howard, who was selected 185th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The comparison to Tom Brady, a sixth-round pick who became arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, sets a high bar for Howard.
The Steelers’ decision to draft Howard came amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With the June 10th mandatory minicamp approaching fast, time is running out for Rodgers to make any real impact in Pittsburgh—if that’s even still part of the plan. While rumors have swirled for weeks about a potential pairing between Rodgers and the Steelers, nothing concrete has surfaced. With minicamp serving as a critical ramp-up to the season as well, the longer this silence drags on, the clearer it becomes that Pittsburgh’s quarterback plans may not include Rodgers after all.
Whether that’s a strategic smokescreen or a signal of confidence in the quarterbacks already in-house—like Howard, Mason Rudolph, or Skylar Thompson—remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: if Rodgers truly intends to lead the Black and Gold, the window to step in is closing fast.
Howard’s journey to the NFL has been marked by resilience and determination. After transferring to Ohio State, he led the team to a National Championship, showcasing his leadership and skill. Analysts have noted his strong arm and mobility, traits that could serve him well in the NFL. The Steelers’ decision not to draft a quarterback in the early rounds suggests a lack of confidence in the available prospects or a belief in Howard’s potential. Yet, the team’s actions also signal that they may be preparing to make a significant move in the 2026 NFL Draft if Howard does not meet expectations.
The selection of Howard wasn’t a throwaway move — it was intentional. Perhaps more revealing than the pick itself was how quickly and confidently Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about what drew the organization to Howard in the first place. The answer had less to do with stats or scouting reports, and more to do with what Howard showed when the lights were brightest.
Steelers' Tomlin Has High Hopes For Howard
Tomlin's comments on Howard speak volumes about what the Steelers are actually prioritizing at the quarterback position.
"There’s going to be some adversity, how you respond to it defines you and your football team particularly from the quarterback position," Tomlin mentioned.
He’s not just offering coach-speak, he’s laying out a blueprint. This isn’t just about arm strength or draft position; it’s about grit. Howard’s playoff run at Ohio State wasn’t just statistically impressive, it was emotionally commanding. The Steelers clearly saw a quarterback who doesn’t fold when the pressure spikes — something this franchise has valued going back to the Ben Roethlisberger era. Tomlin’s focus on leadership through adversity may even explain why the team hasn’t rushed into signing Rodgers. They’re evaluating not just talent, but temperament — and Howard, at least for now, checks that box.
The comparison to Brady is both a compliment and a challenge. Brady’s rise from a late-round pick to a Super Bowl champion is legendary, and expecting Howard to replicate that trajectory is ambitious. However, the Steelers have a history of developing winning quarterbacks, and Howard’s work ethic and talent could position him for success.
As the Steelers navigate the offseason, the quarterback situation remains a focal point. The team’s performance in the 2025 season will likely hinge on the development of Howard or the acquisition of a veteran presence like Rodgers. Either way, the Steelers are at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming months will shape the franchise’s future.
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