Analyst Predicts Will Howard's Role with Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason after a long and arduous courting process. They also drafted Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round of this year's NFL Draft.
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Rodgers is 41 years old and has an extensive injury history recently, but Howard is inexperienced and raw.
Which one wins the starting job?
Of course, that's a ridiculous question. Rodgers will start 2025 under center, or he wouldn't have signed with the Steelers. But that doesn't mean he'll finish it.
Barring another injury to the 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum believes it'll take until December before Howard overtakes Rodgers as the starter.
"Will Howard will be starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers by December 1," he said on 'Get Up'. "Will Howard led Ohio State to the national championship, 89 QBR, 35 touchdown passes. And if he was a little bit better in the offseason before the draft, he could have been a third or a fourth-round pick."
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Howard isn't your typical college quarterback transitioning to the NFL. He played in 50 games, threw for 9,796 yards and 83 touchdowns. He has more experience than most who enter the NFL as rookies.
Tannenbaum also thinks Rodgers' age has a little something to do with him losing the starting role next year.
"Aaron Rodgers is an all-time great, but he will be 42 in December," he said. "Last year, Pittsburgh gave up sacks at the 28th-highest rate, meaning they were not very good at protecting the passer. So when you have a 42-year-old quarterback, no offseason program, an offensive line that should, in fairness, be better because Troy Fautanu is coming back, I think Will Howard has a meaningful chance to be the quarterback of the future."
Related: Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith Discussed Joining Steelers Before Trade
Related: Ex Steelers and Bengals Defensive Tackle Passes Away
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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