Former Steelers’ QB thinks Aaron Rodgers’ situation is an advantage for rookie quarterback Will Howard

After months of speculation, the Pittsburgh Steelers have finally announced the signing of veteran free agent Aaron Rodgers.

The four-time NFL Most Valuable Player is now 41 years old but he joins with the ambition of making the Steelers genuine championship contenders. Rodgers joins a team that was in desperate need of a reliable quarterback and, although he has only signed on an one-year deal, he could play a major role in the team’s progression going forward.

In the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft the Steelers took quarterback Will Howard, who is already impressing at the OTAs. He’s taking plenty of reps and is now in a position to gain experience away from the limelight.

Speaking to Kay Adams on Wednesday, former Steelers backup Charlie Batch explained why starting as a No. 2 could help Howard adapt to life in the NFL.

“There’s not a lot of pressure on Will at this particular point, and that’s the one thing that he has an advantage of,” Batch said.

“Because all he has to do is put his head in the playbook, go out there and get the job done, where everybody else is being talked about.”

Although Howard was a sixth-round choice for the Steelers there is hope that he can go on to have a real impact in the franchise. Batch has claimed that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s run-focused style with simplified reads should work well for Batch.

“We know the mindset of Arthur Smith,” Batch explained. “He wants to run the football, and sometimes the quarterback has to pull the ball down on some designed runs that you actually have to use your legs and get the job done. So those are things that are gonna play itself out, but that’s kind of down the line.”

Howard will play his rookie season alongside a genuine NFL legend who is entering his 22nd season in the league. He will have to fight for his place as a starter but he could hardly have picked a better mentor to learn from.

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