Context:

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard is closely watching the decision of Aaron Rodgers, which could significantly impact his career. If the Steelers manage to sign Rodgers, Howard will likely spend the season learning behind one of the NFL's greats, potentially aiding his development. Conversely, without Rodgers, Howard could find himself competing for the starting QB position against less formidable candidates like Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. The uncertainty has fueled speculation that the Steelers might consider bringing in a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins, although financial and contractual constraints make this a complicated option. Ultimately, Rodgers remains the Steelers' top choice, and his decision holds significant weight for the team's immediate future prospects in 2025.

Dive Deeper:

• Will Howard, drafted in the sixth-round of the 2025 NFL draft, is seen as a potential long-term solution for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his immediate role depends on Aaron Rodgers' decision about joining the team.

• If Rodgers signs with the Steelers, Howard would likely spend the season as a backup, learning from one of the game's great quarterbacks, which could be beneficial for his development.

• Without Rodgers, Howard would enter a competition for the starting quarterback position with less prominent players like Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, creating a challenging scenario for the team.

• Speculation suggests that the Steelers might consider bringing in a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins, though concerns about his high salary and long-term contract complicate this potential move.

• The Steelers view Rodgers as the optimal choice for their quarterback position, and his decision is crucial for their hopes in the upcoming 2025 season, as they seek a reliable leader on the field.

• As the NFL world continues to wait on Aaron Rodgers' decision, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard is likely one of the most interested parties.

• Drafted in the sixth-round of the 2025 NFL draft, Howard offers a possible long-term solution for Pittsburgh, but when he gets his opportunity remains to be seen.

• If Rodgers is signed, Howard will be locked into sitting for a season, and he will do so behind one of the great quarterbacks to ever play the game, which could do wonders for his development.

• However, if Rodgers doesn't sign, Howard will find himself in a competition for QB1 immediately with lackluster options like Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, at least.

• Howard was recently a guest on Ben Roethlisberger's podcast and was asked for his take on what's going on with Rodgers. He offered a simple two-word answer.

• "Yeah, exactly. I think we all are (wondering what's going to happen)," Howard said of the anticipation for Rodgers' decision. "Who knows?"

• It's hard to imagine the Steelers going into the season with Howard, Rudolph and Thompson as their only quarterback options if Rodgers retires, so we'd expect Pittsburgh to add a veteran.

• Kirk Cousins could be at the top of that list, although it's likely the Steelers will want the Atlanta Falcons to pick up some money, which is a reasonable request considering Cousins showed he wasn't worth his $180 million contract in 2024.

• Another issue is that Cousins' contract runs through 2027 and the Steelers will only want him for one year, barring him having incredible success. That could also lead to Pittsburgh balking at bringing him in.

• At the end of the day, Rodgers is the best option the Steelers have by far and they badly need him to sign in order to have some hope for 2025.

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