Steelers Predicted To End Will Howard Experiment After 1 Year and Select 44-TD QB in First Round of 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck in a virtual no man’s land with their quarterback position. After their experiment with splitting time between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson did not give them the results they hoped for, the team has pitched its hopes on Aaron Rodgers.

However, even after the NFL Draft, Rodgers remains mum on his decision, at least publicly. For the time being, their best bet seems to be sixth-round draft pick Will Howard. But, even if they add Rodgers to the mix, their potential franchise quarterback might be just around the corner.

Could the Pittsburgh Steelers Find Their Jordan Love?

Near the end of Rodgers’ tenure with the Green Bay Packers, the legendary franchise selected Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. While the four-time MVP remained on the roster over the next few years, Love took on a mentee role.

Eventually, when the two sides parted ways, he took over as the starting quarterback and immediately paid dividends for Green Bay. If Rodgers does indeed sign with the Steelers, as some believe he’s already verbally agreed to, they might employ a similar strategy at their QB spot.

🚨BREAKING🚨

Ian O’Connor, biographer of Aaron Rodgers, reports that Rodgers is likely to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers this week…..

Stay tuned 👀#NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/hl2hEAKNda

— The Standard (@TheStandard412) May 19, 2025

The latest mock draft from PFSN for next season has them selecting Garrett Nussmeier out of LSU as their next franchise quarterback. “Sixth-round pick Will Howard was a solid flier, but the Pittsburgh Steelers may still be searching for their next franchise quarterback.”

Jacob Infante explained why he believed Nussmeier was the best option at 19 for Pittsburgh. “Garrett Nussmeier isn’t the flashiest QB, but he’s accurate, smart, and calm under pressure.” This past season, he took over from Jayden Daniels and immediately put up incredible numbers.

Before 2024, he had close to 2,000 yards and 12 total touchdowns to his credit. However, taking over the starting role, he immediately put up 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, while adding three touchdowns on the ground as well.

#LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier (6-2, 200)

In-rhythm passer with clean footwork. Flexible arm to make standout completions. Confidently throws to spots with fearless anticipation. pic.twitter.com/JeaY6x7Yib

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) May 16, 2025

As a result, Infante continued, “His pocket presence and decision-making stand out. LSU has quietly become a factory for pro-ready quarterbacks, and Nussmeier could be next in line.”

Even though Howard has quickly become a favorite in the locker room and with the coaches, his ascension to a top-tier quarterback or even a consistent starter at the NFL level is hard to imagine.

Nussmeier, on the other hand, could be the answer the Steelers have been searching for since the end of Ben Roethlisberger’s era.

What Did PFSN Say About Will Howard as a Draft Prospect?

In Infante’s scouting report on Howard before the NFL Draft, he said, “Armed with a cannon and a compact release, Howard looks the part when you simply watch how he throws the ball. His improved accuracy down the field in 2024 is encouraging, as it allowed him to maximize what he brings to the table in terms of arm talent.

“From a team perspective, his growth from being a 3-7 starter through his first two years to a national champion is remarkable.

“Even in 2024, though, Howard was prone to some of the questionable decision-making processes he showed earlier in his collegiate career. If he is to take the next step once he gets to the NFL, he’ll need to be more careful with the ball and be more precise going through his progressions.

“Howard will certainly get drafted, and he has more physical upside than your typical Day 3 backup prospect. He feels like a worthy selection roughly in the range of Round 5, though, with the 2025 NFL Draft being a lighter quarterback class, don’t be surprised if someone takes a shot on him higher than that.”