The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to change at the quarterback position. Over the decades, the franchise has been fortunate enough to have two Hall of Fame quarterbacks lead the team: Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger. After Roethlisberger’s retirement following the 2021 season, the Steelers entered a new era in search of their next long-term solution at quarterback. While Kenny Pickett, selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of promise, the Steelers are not resting on their laurels. They are keenly aware that quarterback is the most important position on the field, and they are leaving no stone unturned in their search for the perfect fit for the future.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the search for the next quarterback to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers has intensified. One name that has risen to the top of many scouting reports is Will Howard, the talented quarterback from Ohio State University. However, Howard is far from the only player the Steelers are considering as they weigh their options. With several promising quarterbacks available, Pittsburgh’s front office, led by general manager Omar Khan, is carefully evaluating the best candidates to add to their roster.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the Steelers’ quest for their next franchise quarterback, explore Will Howard’s credentials, and assess how the Steelers’ search for a new signal-caller will shape the future of the team.
### The Steelers’ Current Situation at Quarterback
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation is in a state of flux. After Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the team initially turned to veteran Mitch Trubisky to bridge the gap, while rookie Kenny Pickett was given time to develop behind the scenes. Pickett, the Steelers’ first-round pick in 2022, showed promise but also struggled with consistency in his first season as the team’s starting quarterback. While he has shown flashes of the potential that made him a top prospect, the jury is still out on whether Pickett can be the long-term answer for the franchise.
The Steelers have shown commitment to Pickett as their starter, but they are also keeping their options open. Given the importance of the quarterback position, the Steelers are exploring ways to enhance their roster and add depth at the most important position on the field. If Pickett doesn’t take the next step in his development, the Steelers will be ready to pivot and find the quarterback that best suits their system moving forward.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Steelers have been linked to several quarterbacks, with Will Howard of Ohio State emerging as one of the top names on their radar. But Howard is not the only quarterback being considered, and it remains to be seen if the Steelers will look to add a rookie or continue to build around Pickett.
### Will Howard: The Next Big Thing from Ohio State?
Will Howard, a standout quarterback for Ohio State, has generated considerable buzz in college football as one of the top quarterback prospects available in the 2024 draft class. Known for his poise in the pocket, impressive arm strength, and ability to make accurate throws on all levels of the field, Howard is regarded as one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in his draft class.
At Ohio State, Howard’s development has been nothing short of impressive. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and demonstrate excellent leadership qualities has earned him comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks to come out of the program. Ohio State has produced a long list of successful quarterbacks, including the likes of Joe Burrow (who transferred to LSU and went on to become the first overall pick in the 2020 draft) and Justin Fields (currently with the Chicago Bears). Howard has the tools to follow in those footsteps, and his time at Ohio State has prepared him to step into the NFL and contribute right away.
Howard is a dual-threat quarterback who excels in both the pocket and on the move. His athleticism allows him to escape pressure, and he can make accurate throws while on the run. While he’s not known for his blazing speed, Howard’s ability to extend plays and pick up yardage with his legs makes him a dynamic weapon in the modern NFL.
One of Howard’s standout traits is his ability to throw with precision on deep passes. He is known for his big arm, which allows him to stretch the field and make defenders respect the deep ball. In addition to his physical tools, Howard has displayed strong leadership skills on and off the field. His calm demeanor and ability to rally his team in crucial moments have impressed scouts and analysts alike.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, Howard represents a potentially perfect fit. His style of play would fit well in offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s system, which has relied on the quarterback’s ability to make quick reads and throw the ball efficiently. The Steelers have historically favored strong-armed quarterbacks with the ability to push the ball downfield, and Howard’s skill set fits that mold.
### Other Quarterback Options for the Steelers
While Will Howard is a top prospect, he is not the only quarterback the Steelers have their eye on. There are several other quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class that Pittsburgh is closely evaluating. Among the other names being linked to the Steelers are:
#### 1. **Drake Maye (North Carolina)**
Drake Maye is another highly regarded quarterback prospect in the 2024 class. Known for his excellent accuracy, poise under pressure, and ability to read defenses, Maye has been compared to some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. His combination of arm strength and mobility makes him an intriguing option for Pittsburgh. Maye is widely regarded as one of the most complete quarterbacks in the draft, and his ability to lead his team to victory in big games has earned him praise. If the Steelers are looking for a quarterback with a high ceiling, Maye could be a strong candidate.
#### 2. **J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)**
J.J. McCarthy, the Michigan quarterback, has also emerged as a potential target for the Steelers. McCarthy possesses the arm strength and athleticism to succeed at the next level. He’s shown the ability to make all the necessary throws, from deep balls to touch passes over the middle, and his leadership has been a key factor in Michigan’s success in recent seasons. McCarthy’s decision-making and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations have caught the attention of NFL scouts, making him a potential future star in the league.
#### 3. **Cade Klubnik (Clemson)**
Cade Klubnik, the quarterback for Clemson, is another name that could be in play for the Steelers. Klubnik has shown flashes of brilliance in his time at Clemson, demonstrating excellent athleticism, arm strength, and the ability to lead his team. While he may not have the same level of hype as some of the other quarterbacks in the draft, Klubnik’s development at Clemson has made him a sleeper candidate who could turn into a solid NFL quarterback with time and coaching.
### What Does This All Mean for the Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking a meticulous approach to the quarterback position, leaving no stone unturned as they evaluate their options for the future. While Kenny Pickett remains the current starter, the team is actively looking to improve their long-term outlook at the position. Whether that means drafting a quarterback like Will Howard or one of the other highly touted prospects, the Steelers are preparing to make a move if they feel it is in the best interest of the franchise.
The Steelers have shown a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of the NFL, and adding a quarterback with the right combination of skills, leadership, and potential is essential for their continued success. With several strong quarterback prospects in the 2024 draft, the Steelers have the opportunity to add a young talent to their roster who could lead them into the next generation of Steelers football.
### Conclusion: The Future Is Now
As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their search for their next franchise quarterback, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Will Howard emerging as a top prospect, and other quarterbacks like Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, and Cade Klubnik also in the mix, Pittsburgh is carefully considering all of its options. The team knows that the right quarterback can elevate the franchise and return them to championship contention.
The hunt for the next Steelers’ quarterback is far from over, and with the draft fast approaching, it promises to be an exciting time for Pittsburgh fans. Whether the Steelers opt for Will Howard or another young talent, the future of the franchise is at stake—and the decision they make could define their success for years to come.
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