After losing Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to the New York Giants and New York Jets in free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered this season looking for a new starting quarterback.
While they've flirted with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, nothing has come of those discussions yet. Instead, Pittsburgh signed old friend Mason Rudolph and selected Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
It's unclear who'll start under center this year, but the rookie is working hard, and he's been in communication with legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throughout this process.
“We actually have the same agent, so we got connected through that," Howard told Kay Adams on the "Up and Adams" show. "He’s been really good, he’s been super supportive of me through this whole process. I didn’t talk to him before becoming a Steeler, but throughout now being a Steeler, getting to know him, he’s been really helpful for me. Texting me, checking in last week. Just been a really good mentor. I can see him being a really good mentor for me going forward, and he’s been super nice to me so far.”
Roethlisberger knows a thing or two about running a successful offense in Pittsburgh, as he was the team's starting quarterback for 18 years, winning two Super Bowl and making six Pro Bowls while leading the team to a 165-81-1 record in his 247 starts.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Howard, 23, is entering the NFL after winning a national championship with the Buckeyes and earning All-Big Ten honors this past year. He completed 73.0% of his passes for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Nobody is expecting Howard to put up those numbers at the next level, especially right away, but seeking advice from one of the best quarterbacks since the turn of the century is a smart move by the rookie.
If he can be a successful backup in the NFL, that's worth a sixth-round pick. Anything beyond that as a starter is great.
MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS
Proposed Bears signing adds former Steelers $52 million veteran edge rusher
Steelers-Packers trade proposal gives Pittsburgh upgrade at wide receiver
Only 1 Pittsburgh Steelers rookie predicted to land starting role in 2025
Former Steelers QB thinks Mason Rudolph could have 'leg up' on Aaron Rodgers
Seahawks GM details what led to DK Metcalf trade to Steelers