Will Howard Signs 4-Year Steelers Rookie Contract Amid Aaron Rodgers Rumors

Will Howard's contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers is official.

The team announced that it had officially signed the 2025 sixth-round pick to a four-year rookie contract. He joins a quarterback room that consists of Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith expressed his excitement at the opportunity to work with Howard and stressed the importance of the 23-year-old's experience in big games.

"Really impressive resume, as I've gotten to know Will during this process," Smith said, per Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. "Obviously, he's played a lot of big games, and when I got a chance to meet with him and spend some time with him at his Pro Day, we just came away even more impressed with the person that Will Howard is.

"We're just excited that we can add to our quarterback room and the opportunity to work with him."

This news comes amid rumors of the team potentially signing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old remains unsigned but would likely assume the starting role if he joined Pittsburgh.

Howard was rated as the No. 74 overall player and the No. 5 quarterback in the draft class by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department. He would end up being the ninth quarterback taken but lands in a spot where quick development could see him assume the starting role in the near future.

He spent the first four seasons of his career at Kansas State before spending his final season at Ohio State. He saved his best production for his final season as he threw for 4,010 yards with 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He led the Buckeyes to a 14-2 overall record and a College Football Playoff National Championship.

Rodgers is not in his prime but still was productive in 2024 as he threw for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His New York Jets went 5-12 and chose to release him and enter a new era following the season.

Pittsburgh went 10-7 and made the playoffs in 2024 under quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson signed with the New York Giants while Fields went to the Jets to replace Rodgers, so the position is open for the taking.

Whether Howard is in a battle for the starting spot or develops behind Rodgers for the year, the team will hope he can grow and eventually fill the starting role.