Will Howard eager to learn from Aaron Rodgers if the veteran QB signs
Since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season, the Steelers have had five starting quarterbacks. They have tried the draft (Kenny Pickett), a trade (Justin Fields) and free agency (Russell Wilson).
They remain in search.
The Steelers brought back Mason Rudolph, a third-round pick in 2018, in free agency and drafted Will Howard in the sixth-round. They also have Skylar Thompson on their roster.
Aaron Rodgers, though, might end up being the bridge quarterback for 2025. Owner Art Rooney II said this week the Steelers were willing to to wait 'a little while longer' for Rodgers to make a decision.
'I don't know what's going to happen,' Howard told Kay Adams on Up and Adams this week. 'That's all over my head. But I'd love to be in a room and learn from him. Again, who knows what's going to happen. I have no idea and that's above my head.'
Howard, at some point, will get a chance to prove he's the franchise quarterback the Steelers long have sought. He believes he has what the Steelers seek.
'They need like a gritty guy,' Howard said. 'Growing up for me, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Big Ben, Big Ben was that guy. He was Pittsburgh. He was the Steel City, the blue collar and gritty guy. And I want to be that, too. I want to bring that edge and that energy. I think I did a pretty good job of it at Ohio State, and I kind of like to pride myself on that and I'm going to try and bring it to the Steel City.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC Sports
25 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
Report: Steelers expect to have a deal with T.J. Watt by the start of the season
In 2021, T.J. Watt held in at training camp while waiting for a contract extension. He was present to avoid daily fines, but he did not participate in the on-field work to avoid injury. Watt ended up signing a four-year, $112 million extension three days before the start of the season. It could be headed that way again. A day after a report that the Steelers have made a 'pretty substantial' offer to Watt but 'probably not' what Watt is looking for in his new deal comes word that nothing is imminent. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the sides are talking with the 'expectation they will come to some agreement . . . before the start of the regular season.' The sides might have 'some resistance and not-so-minor stumbling blocks along the way' to a deal, Dulac adds. The Steelers have a club policy that ends all negotiations once the season begins, so they have three months to iron out an agreement. Watt's new deal is expected to top the four-year, $160 million extension the Browns gave to edge rusher Myles Garrett. Watt, 30, led the league in sacks three of the previous five seasons, including matching the NFL's all-time single-season record (22.5) in 2021. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Former Steelers Coach Endorses Aaron Rodgers Signing
Former Steelers Coach Endorses Aaron Rodgers Signing originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Aaron Rodgers is still a free agent and former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley believes he's the man for the job. Advertisement OTA's began last week, with many wondering if signing Rodgers still makes sense, including Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw who believes the Steelers should move on. Haley recently appeared on The SiriusXM Blitz on NFL Radio, where he explained why it would be an easy decision if it was up to him. 'I still believe, like I said all along, he's the best option for the Steelers for the situation they're in at this time. Maybe he signs, maybe he doesn't. If he does sign, maybe it looks great, maybe it looks average,' Haley said. 'I still think it's the best option and one I'd be willing to take a risk on knowing you only get so many shots at this. You've got a really good defense. You've got one of the best head coaches in the league. You now have an offensive coordinator who I think is really good at what he does, especially for that team.' He also added that Rodgers gives the Steelers a higher ceiling compared to Rudolph, noting his leadership and experience would be crucial for a team that could be ready to win in 2025. Advertisement The four time MVP finished last season with 28 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It was an up and down season with the Jets, but he seemed to turn it on late in the season with a renewed connection with Davante Adams. It's clear that the Steelers front office doesn't have a specific deadline when it comes to signing Rodgers. The roster has plenty of talent to compete at a high level this season, especially on defense as they are led by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. Adding a veteran quarterback like Rodgers could unlock the offense and make the Steelers extremely balanced on both sides of the ball, even if he's 41. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Placed on Surprising List
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a lot of success under head coach Mike Tomlin. Following Gregg Popovich's move from coaching to the front office, he is now the longest tenured head coach in major North American sports. Since taking over as the team's head coach back in the 2007 season, Tomlin has led the Steelers to a 183-107-2 record. He has not had a single losing season during that stretch. In addition to his record, Tomlin has led Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl back in 2008. Unfortunately, the franchise has not won one since then. Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo byOver the last couple of years, the tune has changed regarding Tomlin. At one point, he was considered an untouchable coach. His job was never considered in jeopardy. Read more: Steelers, Aaron Rodgers Get Major Timeline Update Now, Tomlin is viewed as a coach who could be on the move in the future if things don't turn around. He's still winning football games, but he's not winning championships. In fact, the Steelers have not even been to the Super Bowl since 2010. Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Tomlin has been placed on a surprising list. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus has named Tomlin among his 10 head coaches who are on the hot seat heading into the upcoming year. "If the Steelers end north of .500 yet again, it feels implausible that owner Art Rooney would actually make a change from his 19-year head coach," Locker wrote. "But how long can a storied franchise that prides itself on achievements be content with doing nothing in January as others in the AFC keep lapping them?" He continued on, revealing his belief that if Pittsburgh fails to win a playoff game this year, it might be time to consider moving in a different direction. "If Tomlin and Pittsburgh fail to win a playoff contest yet again, Steelers fans' complaints will only grow louder, prompting discussion about whether it's time to move on from one of the league's most well-respected leaders." Read more: Former Steelers Coach Doesn't Hold Back About Aaron Rodgers Parting ways with Tomlin would be an incredibly difficult decision. What he has brought to the city has been nothing short of incredible. Not having a single losing season in 18 years is unheard of in the NFL. That being said, the NFL is all about Super Bowls. Since 2008, he has not won one and has only played in one other. Expect to hear a lot about Tomlin's future throughout the 2025 season if things aren't looking good. Even if the Steelers happen to make the playoffs, winning a playoff game at the minimum might be necessary. For more Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
