The Steelers signed quarterback Will Howard, the team's sixth-round pick, to a four-year contract. Howard, who played at Ohio State, was selected with the 185th overall pick.
"Obviously, we're really excited to add Will to our quarterback room," said offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. "Really impressive resume, as I've gotten to know Will during this process. Obviously, he's played a lot of big games, and when I got a chance to meet with him and spend some time with him at his Pro Day, we just came away even more impressed with the person that Will Howard is.
"We're just excited that we can add to our quarterback room and the opportunity to work with him."
Howard had to wait a few days to get the phone call that he was drafted, but it was worth the wait for him.
"It's not about when, it's where," said Howard, who is from Downingtown, Pa. "I had to trust in God and believe he had a plan for me and the right team was going to pick me. And I think 100 percent the right team picked me. I am a Pennsylvania kid.
"The Steelers are an organization I have a lot of respect for a lot of years. Coming into this process I was hoping the Steelers would take me because I thought it was a great organization. I am so blessed.
"I couldn't be more fired up to be with an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers."
Howard spent one season playing for the Buckeyes after starting his college career at Kansas State. He appeared in a total of 50 games in his college career, completing 767 of 1,202 passes, 63.8%, for 9,796 yards, 83 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Howard started all 16 games for the Buckeyes, leading them to a school record 14 wins and the College Football Playoff National Championship. He completed 309 of 423 passes for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns. His completion percentage was a career and school record, also setting an Ohio State record with eight games with at least an 80% completion percentage.
Among the honors Howard won in 2024 were the Most Valuable Player in the win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl and the win over Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship.
Howard began his college career in 2020 at Kansas State and in four seasons appeared in 34 games. He completed 458 of 779 passes for 5,786 yards and 48 touchdowns.
He led the Wildcats to the Big 12 title in 2022, including a win over Texas Christian in the Big 12 Championship game. His 48 touchdown passes set a Kansas State record and he tied the school single season record with 24 touchdown passes in 2023.
