The Pittsburgh Steelers have some decisions to make this offseason. Russell Wilson was good enough to lead the team to the playoffs as the starting quarterback, but the veteran struggled down the stretch and the team ultimately suffered another quick exit from the postseason.
Now, Wilson and fellow quarterback Justin Fields are set to enter free agency next month. The Steelers should have plenty of money to spend, as Over the Cap projects the team to have around $40 million. Recent reports indicate that the team would prefer Wilson to Fields, but it’s far from certain that either are back in 2025.
Even if Wilson returns, the team will likely want to add a young passer who could develop behind the veteran. Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot recently ran a mock draft for the Steelers and had the team addressing the quarterback position in the second round.
Kozora has the Steeles taking Will Howard out of Ohio State. The experienced passer led the Buckeyes to a national title in 2024 while throwing for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Regarding Howard’s fit in Pittsburgh, Kozora offered the following:
He’s accurate to all levels and played his best when the games counted the most, leading the Buckeyes to a national title. Howard’s regarded as a leader and simply wins, something an old-school franchise like the Steelers still values.
Art Rooney II kept the door open to explore to their quarterback options, and re-signing Justin Fields or Russell Wilson doesn’t cement them as long-term starters. Either’s presence certainly doesn’t prevent the team from adding through the draft. And Pittsburgh might keep trying until they get it right.
If the team does draft Howard, it would likely be smart to keep Wilson around for at least one more season to ease the rookie into the role. The team also had Ben Roethlisberger and Kenny Pickett begin their rookie seasons on the bench, so it makes sense.
Howard was an extremely productive college passer. The quarterback ended his college career with 9,796 yards, 83 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. The quarterback spent his first four seasons of college at Kansas State before transferring to Ohio State for his final year of eligibility.
Howard flourished in Chip Kelly’s offense and led the Buckeyes to their first title in over a decade. This experience, and Howard’s leadership, should interest teams.
Howard also has a solid arm and plus-level athleticism, but a lack of elite traits and his advanced age have the quarterback graded by most as a second or third-round prospect.
The Steelers will unlikely be able to draft one of the top quarterback prospects, and this crop of free agents is uninspiring, so a prospect like Howard might be the most likely addition.
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