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Steelers Eye Elite 30-TD Quarterback, Leaving Will Howard in the Rearview

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Table of Contents

The Quarterback Crossroads in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a pivotal moment in addressing their offensive struggles, prioritizing the pursuit of a quarterback capable of delivering 30+ touchdowns annually. Despite drafting Ohio State's Will Howard in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team is actively exploring veteran options like Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins to immediately elevate their AFC North competitiveness.

Will Howard: Potential vs. Reality

Collegiate Highlights

Howard's Ohio State career included a 73.2% completion rate, 29 passing touchdowns, and a 173.6 passer rating in 2024. His standout performance in the College Football Playoff—311 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-29 passing against Tennessee—ignited NFL optimism.

Steelers Eye Elite 30-TD Quarterback,Leaving Will Howard in the Rearview

Areas of Concern

Scouting reports note his reliance on short passes (average depth of target: 8.5 yards in 2024) and decision-making issues (15 turnover-worthy plays, 10 interceptions in college). Analysts question whether his skill set translates to the NFL's faster tempo and deeper defenses.

The 30-TD Mandate

The Steelers' push for a high-volume passer stems from their 2024 offensive ranking (22nd in scoring). Division rivals like the Ravens (Lamar Jackson, 30 total TDs) and Bengals (Joe Burrow, 28 passing TDs) set a benchmark demanding both efficiency and explosive plays.

Free Agency Targets

Aaron Rodgers: A 39-year-old future Hall of Famer with multiple 40+ TD seasons.
Kirk Cousins: A veteran with three 30+ TD campaigns despite recent benching in Atlanta.
Sam Darnold: Showed potential with 29 TDs in Carolina before a 2023 injury.

Pathways Forward

If the Steelers sign a veteran, Howard could slip to a third-string role—limiting his development opportunities. However, analyst Brad Gagnon suggests Howard may see limited action in 2025 if the team is out of playoff contention. The decision reflects a broader NFL trend prioritizing "win-now" strategies over developmental projects.

Conclusion

The Steelers' choice between proven talent and drafting hope will define their next chapter. While Howard's college pedigree is undeniable, the franchise's urgency for immediate success points toward a veteran QB capable of delivering the 30+ TD standard required in today's NFL.