As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate their quarterback situation for the upcoming season, all eyes are on former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard. The young signal-caller is eager to seize any opportunity to showcase his skills, but the path ahead is anything but clear.
Drafted in the sixth round, Howard finds himself in a precarious position. The reality is that every decision made by the Steelers could sway his future. ESPN's Field Yates recently weighed in on Howard's prospects, expressing skepticism about his chances of becoming Pittsburgh's starting quarterback.
Yates remarked, "I've heard positive things about Will Howard's development with the Steelers. However, being a sixth-round pick raises questions.
If they were truly committed to him, would they have risked waiting so long to draft him? I'm not convinced he's their go-to option for the starting role."
The buzz around Alabama freshman Ty Simpson is growing, with many insiders, including Yates, viewing him as a potential first-round investment for Pittsburgh, potentially overshadowing Howard's position behind veteran Aaron Rodgers.
"Ty Simpson is generating a lot of interest," Yates noted. "Given the scarcity of quarterbacks in the free agent market and this Draft class, teams can't afford to wait indefinitely for the right fit."
Howard's journey has been a rollercoaster. After four unremarkable years at Kansas State, his transfer to Ohio State led to a standout championship run, catching the attention of NFL scouts.
Yet, one stellar season may not be enough to erase the memory of his earlier collegiate years. Drafted as a potential backup to Rodgers, Howard's NFL future remains uncertain.
Despite the challenges, Howard has received endorsements from notable players like Maxx Crosby and Ben Roethlisberger. With Rodgers' tenure possibly ending after 2026, the Steelers are contemplating their long-term strategy.
Yates added, "Even if Aaron Rodgers returns, the Steelers need to plan for the future. At 42, there's no guarantee he'll last the entire season. It's essential to prepare for life after Rodgers."
The Steelers' quarterback conundrum is far from resolved, and as the team evaluates its options, Howard remains hopeful for his chance to shine.