Former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard’s NFL career just became one step closer to reality with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Howard will be part of one of the more scrutinized NFL quarterback battles during training camp, barring a late move by the Steelers to add a veteran.
As things stand now, Howard is expected to compete with Mason Rudolph to be the Steelers’ new starting quarterback. Given Howard was a sixth-round pick, the former Ohio State standout faces an uphill battle to earn immediate snaps.
The majority of Day 3 picks tend to be fighting for a roster spot in the months leading up to the NFL regular season.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard gets high fives following his pro day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 26, 2025.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Pittsburgh announced on Friday that Howard has officially signed his rookie contract. Howard’s former Buckeyes teammate Jack Sawyer also inked his first NFL deal.
According to Spotrac, Howard signed a four-year, $4.4 million rookie contract.
There has been plenty of NFL rumors that the Steelers could sign Aaron Rodgers or trade for a veteran like Atlanta Falcons signal-caller Kirk Cousins. The addition of either of these players would significantly decrease Howard’s chances of winning the starting gig.
Buckeyes fans will be watching eagerly to see how Howard and Sawyer are able to contribute during their rookie seasons.
“The Steelers are an organization I have a lot of respect for a lot of years,” Howard said, per the Steelers website. “Coming into this process I was hoping the Steelers would take me because I thought it was a great organization. I am so blessed.
“I couldn’t be more fired up to be with an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
