Steelers’ QB Strategy: Drafting a Rookie, Targeting a Veteran
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers surprised many by waiting until the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select their quarterback, ultimately choosing Ohio State’s national champion Will Howard. That move reignited heated speculation about the team’s true intentions at the position, particularly concerning rumors of veteran Aaron Rodgers joining the roster to lead the team this season.
A Slow-Burn Addition
Throughout the draft weekend, the spotlight frequently turned to Rodgers. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Team President Art Rooney II confirmed that discussions with the 41-year-old future Hall-of-Famer are ongoing. Rooney noted that, with offseason training ramping up, the team hopes to secure clarity on Rodgers soon: “We’re still getting the same signals… that he does want to come here,” he said. The aim is for him to participate in OTAs and fully integrate with the offense if the deal finalizes quickly.
Tomlin echoed this sentiment during a live appearance with Rich Eisen. He assured fans that Pittsburgh has a “plan at the position” and that the organization is optimistic about what could lie ahead—though he withheld specifics. His message aimed to soothe uncertainty: despite the absence of a public announcement, team leadership feels confident.
Howard: The Rookie Not Yet Ready to Start
Despite drafting Howard, it’s clear the Steelers don’t view him as their Week 1 starter. The franchise, known for its desire to compete immediately under Tomlin, isn’t building around a quarterback selected 185th overall. Instead, Howard is positioned as a developmental prospect for the future.
It’s also noteworthy what wasn’t taken in the draft: several higher-rated quarterback prospects, such as Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, and Jaxson Dart, went in earlier rounds. Pittsburgh passed on all, focusing on Howard’s blend of polish, athleticism, and winning pedigree—qualities they believe will mature over time.
Diesel and Dodger: Behind the Scenes with Howard
Insights from multiple sources shed light on Howard’s first weeks in Pittsburgh:
After being drafted, Howard wasted no time connecting with quarterbacks coach Tom Arth—his initiative impressed coaches, a telling sign of his maturity .
Reports from recent OTAs also praised his composure and accuracy, describing his performance as “really good” .
Former Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger spoke to Howard’s mindset, advising him to balance bold ambition (“I want to be the quarterback here for 15–20 years”) with humility in the presence of veteran leadership .
Collectively, these insights paint Howard as a dedicated, coachable athlete who has won big games and now arrives in Pittsburgh ready to learn.
Why Rodgers Makes Sense—If the Fit Clicks
If the Steelers bring Rodgers in, the decision is about more than immediate production. There are several layers to consider:
1. Mentorship: Across his storied career—most recently on The Pat McAfee Show—Rodgers made clear his willingness to cultivate quarterbacks behind him, from Jordan Love in Green Bay to Zach Wilson in New York. Here, sources highlight how Rodgers has already been “seriously committed” to mentoring Howard during practices and meetings .
2. Short-term win push: With Rodgers under center, Pittsburgh gains a chance to compete for a playoff berth—or deeper—while grooming Howard in the background.
3. Roster-building philosophy: The Steelers structured their draft to stockpile picks in 2026, signaling patience and long-term planning—even as they chase a “win now” window in 2025 .
Rodgers’ Status and Signals
Rodgers himself seems to be steering toward Pittsburgh. Team statements reflect a shift from uncertainty (“we’ll see”) to confidence (“we feel good about our plan”). If he does opt to finish his 21-year career in Steel City, it’ll cap a significant quarterback pursuit.
Notably, Rodgers announced that the 2025 campaign will likely be his final NFL season. He’s on a one-year deal reportedly worth $13.65 million (with up to $19.5 million in incentives), including $10 million guaranteed. Publicly, he’s voiced excitement about mentoring Howard, marking a clear shift from a starter’s mindset to one of legacy-building .
What It All Means—and What to Watch
The immediate plan: Rodgers starts in 2025, offering veteran leadership and giving Howard time to learn without pressure.
The longer-term picture: Howard absorbs Rodgers’ expertise with eyes on 2026 and beyond. He’ll compete with backup veterans like Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, but his developmental trajectory hinges on Rodgers’ tenure and health.
The team’s risk/reward: Even if Rodgers plays only a season, the opportunity to develop Howard during a competitive campaign may pay dividends later. But if Rodgers falters, Pittsburgh must be ready to pivot quickly to a rookie or backup midseason.
Final Take: A Calculated Bet
In short, Pittsburgh’s move to draft a QB late reflects their confidence that Rodgers is on board. The strategy balances present competitiveness with future readiness:
Rodgers = experienced passer, motivator, and on-field leader.
Howard = raw talent, endless potential, and long-term investment.
Ultimately, rather than a scramble for a starter, Pittsburgh appears to have mapped out a structured quarterback hierarchy—veteran first, rookie understudy—with clarity and purpose. If it unfolds as intended, it could reset the franchise’s timeline while still aiming to win big in 2025.
Bottom line: Pittsburgh’s draft and public messaging weren’t signs of indecision—they were calculated signals. The plan seems clear: lock in Rodgers soon, center the offense around him for one final push, and groom Howard for the spotlight ahead.
Leave a Reply