Former Super Bowl winning head coach Jon Gruden makes quite the admission about Pittsburgh Steelers QB Will Howard
Will Howard’s decision to transfer from Kansas State to the Ohio State Buckeyes was a prime example of the transfer portal working out in a big way for both sides. Howard was the leader and playmaker the Buckeyes needed to win the College Football Playoff last season, and he boosted his draft stock in the […]
Will Howard’s decision to transfer from Kansas State to the Ohio State Buckeyes was a prime example of the transfer portal working out in a big way for both sides. Howard was the leader and playmaker the Buckeyes needed to win the College Football Playoff last season, and he boosted his draft stock in the process.
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft knowing they needed a quarterback, but selecting one early never materialized. They found Howard in the sixth round, though his acclimation to the team was slowed by a broken finger suffered during training camp that forced him to miss the entire preseason. The good news for Howard came this week, as he was reinstated from injured reserve on Wednesday.
Pittsburgh has its quarterback for this season in Aaron Rodgers, but what comes after remains to be seen. One former NFL head coach who has gotten to know Howard believes he might be exactly what the Steelers need down the road.
“I love Will Howard,” Jon Gruden told 93.7 The Fan on Thursday. “I am thankful that he is up. I will be surprised if Will Howard is on the bench much longer. He’s got everything you want in a quarterback. We won a Super Bowl with Brad Johnson. He’s got that prototype size I like — he’s 6’4”, 225-230, and built like a horse. I mean, this is a big guy. He can run the ball, he can keep it on the zone read, he’s an accurate passer. He’s a winner, man. This guy is a winner.”
Where Will Howard stands with the Steelers
Will Howard might have missed physical time on the football field for the Steelers, but he took advantage of every mental rep he could find while rehabbing his throwing hand. So much so that Steelers OC Arthur Smith even gave him the nickname “Coach Will.” But now, player Will is back. After returning to practice a few weeks ago, the Steelers officially activated him from the injured reserve this week, and he is fully back in the mix.
Internally, the Steelers were very happy to have selected Howard as late as the sixth round. However, their actions don’t necessarily match their words. Despite the growing belief among a contingent of Steelers fans, Pittsburgh is still very much in the process of finding its next signal caller. At nearly every big game this year where a top-flight quarterback prospect is playing, the Steelers have sent a scout, if not multiple.
That doesn’t mean Will Howard isn’t a suitable backup with starter upside. I think that’s his exact role. Perhaps in an open competition, he proves to be even better. It would be unwise to limit Howard’s ceiling, but the Steelers are still searching for a QB of the future.
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