Life after Aaron Rodgers as the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback is uncertain, as there are many unknowns. The future Hall of Famer hasn't been terrific in his first year as the gunslinger for the Steelers, but he has brought some stability to the offense. He isn't an MVP-caliber player anymore, and it appears he could be a one-and-done player in Pittsburgh based on his recent production.
While speaking on 93.7 The Fan, legendary coach Jon Gruden may have given the fanbase some renewed optimism. They might not have a shot at taking a young player high in the upcoming draft, but have no fear because Gruden is high on Will Howard's future. There is nothing but potential, and possibly a gunslinger who can do it all and become a reliable starter for the Steelers.
“I’ll be surprised if Will Howard is on the bench much longer. He’s got everything you want in a quarterback," Gruden said during his appearance. "I’ll be shocked if Will Howard isn’t a good NFL quarterback.”
Many have their eyes fixed on the 2026 NFL Draft to potentially land a franchise quarterback for the Steelers, but that might not be realistic. Unless they lose the remainder of their games this season, Pittsburgh doesn't have a shot at moving up to take a worthy prospect at the position.
It's quickly becoming an underwhelming quarterback class in the upcoming draft, but it's not all bad news for the potential future signal-caller for the team.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Will Howard might change draft plans after Gruden's comments
There is a lot to like about Howard, but it is troubling that he slipped into the sixth round before the Steelers selected him. Some might argue that Tom Brady was a sixth-round pick, but lucking out with that type of value is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The likelihood of the rookie developing into even half the player Brady was might be close to 0%. Howard has won everywhere he has started games.
"He's a winner, man. This guy's a winner." Gruden went on to say, "He won big at Kansas State, they won the Big 12. He won the national title. He was the wow factor."
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There was a ton of high praise from Gruden for Howard during his appearance. It will certainly get Steelers Nation talking as the young player tries to work his way back from injury. He was just taken off injured reserve after missing most of the season with a broken finger. That missed time would normally derail a young player at the quarterback position, but his traits should calm those worries.
"He's got a photographic memory. He's a great communicator. I'll be shocked if he's not one hell of an NFL quarterback, and I told a couple of my friends in Pittsburgh, I told Omar Khan, 'I can't believe you got him in the sixth round,'" Gruden claimed.
Overall, it was a solid value pick when Pittsburgh selected Howard this past spring. Most thought the former Ohio State quarterback would be drafted in rounds three or four, yet he fell further. The Steelers were happy to take the young signal caller to take time and learn behind Rodgers.
With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, perhaps Howard could get the franchise to neglect trading up for a prospect who could take his starting job.
Learning behind Rodgers will only aid Howard's development. It would be unwise to take everything Gruden said as gospel. Yes, it should excite fans, but Howard shouldn't be the heir to the starting quarterback spot for the Steelers yet. Expect Pittsburgh to remain in the hunt for a top gunslinger in the upcoming draft, but Gruden's comments do ease some worries if they can't take one.