Aaron Rodgers’s return to Pittsburgh temporarily dents Will Howard’s path to starting time, but the Steelers’ 2025 sixth-round pick says another year learning behind a legend is exactly what he needed to grow.
Will Howard walked into practice with the same goal in mind as everyone else in the Steelers quarterback mix: get better, earn opportunities, and be ready when the next opening arrives.
But this week’s schedule comes with a twist. Rodgers returned to Pittsburgh, and that naturally places Howard’s chances of starting games this season under more pressure. Still, on Wednesday, the 2025 sixth-round pick wasn’t leaning toward frustration.
Howard’s offseason work had already drawn positive reviews from Mike McCarthy. and he told reporters on Wednesday that he believes playing behind Rodgers for another year will help him progress toward his own starting goals. “None of us really knew. I think everyone had a little feeling and I had a feeling that he was probably going to come back. just knowing the competitor and the person that he is. ” Howard said. “I was
excited, I really was, because we really developed a special friendship, I felt like, last year. To be able to have another year with him and to learn from him. for him to continue to pour into Drew [Allar] and also me. is just an unbelievable opportunity for me as a young player in this league to learn from one of the legends that’s been doing it for a long time. So, I’m excited. I
just want to soak up everything I can. Take advantage of my opportunities when they’re there and just be the best version of myself every day.”.
The timing of Rodgers’s return changes the immediate chessboard, but Howard insists it doesn’t change the mission. On Wednesday, he was the second quarterback into drills behind Rodgers—an indicator that he’s still positioned as the next man up behind the starter.
There’s also the bigger picture Howard is watching. With Rodgers calling this his farewell season, the dynamic could look different by next year. Rodgers’s status this season could help shape Howard’s path to competing for the No. 1 job at this time next year.
For now, Howard is choosing the most practical approach: keep showing up in the reps he’s getting, learn what he can from Rodgers, and be ready to step forward when the Steelers need him.
Will Howard Aaron Rodgers Pittsburgh Steelers Mike McCarthy Drew Allar Mason Rudolph NFL quarterback competition 2025 sixth-round pick Rodgers farewell season