There are few things better than a highly anticipated sequel. Especially if the first run left plenty of room for intrigue. As the Pittsburgh Steelers check into training camp, it’s impossible to ignore the current condition of the quarterback room. Sure, Omar Khan’s dedication to Aaron Rodgers gives Mike McCarthy a capable leader this season. But how does the franchise plan to prepare Will Howard in his second year to become QB1 of the future?Â
More importantly, is the former sixth-round pick capable of earning the job title?Â
Man, I hope so.Â
Gauging the former National Champion’s readiness is harder than it should be.  Probably because his electrifying collegiate career is hard to forget. In 2024, the former Ohio State quarterback amassed 4,010 passing yards and 35 passing touchdowns during an impressive senior campaign.Â
The contributions led to MVP honors after an impressive National Championship performance against Notre Dame. It was clear the young gunslinger had potential, but how would it translate to the big leagues?Â
Since then, Howard has done little to show he’s capable of duplicating the results at the next level. Well, not by choice; blame a fractured right pinky. The injury caused Pittsburgh’s sleeper pick to miss the entire preseason in 2025. It wiped out any chance for the rookie to get his feet wet while erasing moments for fans to measure his raw potential.Â
He eventually returned to the 53-man roster in October, but by then the Steelers were in the middle of a competitive schedule. As a result, Howard finished his rookie season without taking an NFL snap.Â
Honestly, the reality was a little discouraging. But I also believe things can still play out in his favor.Â
The Pittsburgh Steelers need Will Howard to give them a reason not to look elsewhere at QB
While Pittsburgh leaned on Rodgers to lead the franchise last season, Howard was fortunate enough to become an understudy to one of the greatest minds in football. The continued residency under the All-Pro’s wing is a great tool to have.Â
Anticipation for the regular season is at an all-time high as the Steelers roll into training camp. With fans' expectations rising by the day, we must ask what the former sixth-round pick does with another NFL season in front of him.Â
Rodgers will command head coach Mike McCarthy’s offense, but Howard’s time is coming faster than it feels. Eventually, he should become the face of the franchise, which makes this campaign extremely important - even if he watches from the sideline.Â
According to McCarthy, Howard will split reps with Drew Allar as the third quarterback on the depth chart to begin training camp.Â
I believe the dominoes fell in Pittsburgh’s favor. And now it’s time for Will Howard to show what he intends to bring to the table. If he can't beat out Mason Rudolph for the No. 2 job, it may take an unusual roster construction strategy for him to even stay in Pittsburgh past this summer.
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