A full quarterback room can help franchises in different ways. The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to dedicate four roster spots to quarterbacks initially looked excessive. Three weeks later, Omar Khan’s gamble could turn into trade capital.
But after a few weeks of NFL action, the seasoned head coach’s decision may help the front office climb out of a gaping hole. Especially if Omar Khan can negotiate a trade with the New York Giants for Will Howard.
The transaction may seem questionable at first, but it makes sense after evaluating both teams’ current situation. For New York, receiving a capable quarterback after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 is a blessing in disguise. Sure, Jameis Winston will fill in as an experienced backup. He’s had 89 career starts, resulting in a 36-53 record. It’s unrealistic to assume Winston will take over and lead New York to the mountaintop. But the Giants don’t have many options.
Winston and new backup Jake Haener are the only QBs on the Giants roster this week. It’s a risky position for John Harbaugh’s unit. Especially since they’re navigating through a devastating injury already, investing in a motivated quarterback won’t dramatically change the Giants' projection.
But it will provide a capable insurance blanket for a focused franchise looking to make the most of the campaign. It could also provide Harbaugh with another developmental QB who could remain under team control beyond 2026.
That’s where Pittsburgh enters the equation.
The transition to the professional stage has been anything but normal for Pittsburgh’s former sixth-round pick (2025). Fans were excited to see what Howard could bring to the table after an impressive finish to his collegiate career. In 2024, he completed 74% of his passes while accumulating 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns during his final season at Ohio State.
The effort led the Buckeyes to a National Championship. It also elevated Howard’s stock as an NFL quarterback.
Will Howard could become the perfect trade target for a Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants trade
It hasn’t been easy for Howard to duplicate his collegiate success at the professional level. A finger injury kept him sidelined during his rookie year. Fortunately, the rookie was offered the chance to be Aaron Rodgers’ Padawan for a full campaign.
The mentorship appeared to be beneficial. A string of preseason performances gave fans their first look at Howard’s abilities. He completed 26-of-39 passes for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. No, the performances were not flawless. But it finally showcased Howard’s mobility and arm power.
And it may be enough for the Giants to consider investing in his talents.
A trade for Will Howard isn’t the flashiest move by the New York Giants. But it could be the best economic decision for a team aspiring to keep dreams of a successful season alive. I mean, where else could they find a capable insurance blanket with a bright future ahead of him? The free agent QB pool is currently less than desirable
Jimmy Garoppolo (34) is the best alternative option. And New York has no reason to waste their time on a washed-up veteran.
Trading Will Howard to the New York Giants could benefit both parties involved. For Pittsburgh, a draft pick in return for their third-string QB will be a great return on investment. I believe Pittsburgh should start negotiations around a fourth-round pick. Whether New York would pay that price is another question, but QB desperation routinely gives selling teams leverage. Why wouldn’t the Steelers front office get the most they could out of the deal?
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