You may be thinking…what in the world does Mike Tomlin's leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers have to do with a sixth-round pick like Will Howard?
Well, think about it. With coach Tomlin out, the rumors that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will depart after this season and retire only intensify. Rodgers specifically wanted to play for Tomlin and compete for a championship. Tomlin's departure, paired with Pittsburgh entering a potential rebuild, doesn't leave much incentive for Rodgers to stay.
With that in mind, the Steelers want to weigh their options moving forward. The 2026 Draft doesn’t offer many strong signal-caller candidates, which could lead the Steelers to develop Howard rather than bank on another subpar draft pick or a veteran past his prime.
Howard spent four seasons at Kansas State, throwing for 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. He transferred to Ohio State for his final year after the program decided to move forward with now-quarterback Avery Johnson. Howard had a magical championship run in 2024-25, with 4,010 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while rushing for 226 yards and seven touchdowns. This dominant postseason run propelled him to the NFL Draft.
Still, a lackluster four years prior raised uncertainty about his ability in the pros. There was also the narrative of the Buckeyes boasting some of the country's best as an argument against Howard. They had the No. 1 defense and several pro-level weapons flooding the offense. It's not exactly a great look when your only season of success comes in your last collegiate year.
This dropped Howard to the sixth round of the Draft, where the Steelers selected him as a potential backup to Rodgers or franchise option. Rodgers has bonded with the former Wildcats quarterback in Pittsburgh, which may impact his next decision.
"I’ve made a point of really trying to help out Will because I love him," Rodgers said to reporters before his playoff game against the Houston Texans. "He’s a great kid, and I think he’s got a bright future. That's one relationship I really wanted to pour into."
Rodgers hasn't solidified his next decision, but let's be honest. He's no longer the four-time MVP he used to be, and Pittsburgh certainly won't be the playoff contender they've been the past few seasons. Star departures are likely with Tomlin out, including TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward.
So Wildcats fans, you may potentially see your former quarterback gracing the fields on Sundays next season.