Will Howard’s Steelers Contract: 5 Crucial Things You MUST Know About The Rookie QB’s $4.4 Million Deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room underwent a significant overhaul in the 2025 offseason, and one of the most intriguing additions is rookie quarterback Will Howard. As of December 22, 2025, fans are eager to understand the financial commitment and positional outlook for the former Ohio State and Kansas State standout, especially following his selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Howard’s journey to the NFL was a winding one, culminating in a sixth-round pick that solidified his spot on the Steelers’ roster. While the headlines often focus on the veteran acquisitions, the details of Will Howard’s rookie contract offer a clear picture of how the organization views his potential as a developmental asset and future backup quarterback.
Will Howard: Biography and Collegiate Career Profile
Will Howard entered the NFL with a wealth of collegiate experience, having played five seasons across two major programs. His profile paints the picture of a durable, strong-armed quarterback with a history of clutch performances.
- Full Name: William Howard
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Height/Weight: 6’4” / 235 lbs
- Hometown: Downingtown, Pennsylvania
- High School: Downingtown West High School
- College: Kansas State University (2020–2023), The Ohio State University (2024)
- NFL Draft: 2025, Round 6, Pick 185 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Key College Achievement: Led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a school-record 14 wins and a CFP national championship in the 2024 season.
- Kansas State Record: Set the school’s career record for passing touchdowns (48).
- Total Career College Stats: Finished his collegiate career with 9,796 passing yards and 83 passing touchdowns.
Breaking Down Will Howard’s Rookie Contract with the Steelers
The contract signed by Will Howard in May 2025 is a standard rookie deal, structured according to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for a sixth-round draft pick. However, the exact figures provide insight into his financial security and the Steelers’ investment.
1. The Total Value and Duration of the Deal
Howard signed a four-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This deal is set to keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2028 NFL season. The total value of his rookie contract is $4,448,100, which translates to an average annual salary of $1,112,025.
2. Guaranteed Money: The True Investment
For a late-round pick, the amount of guaranteed money is the most critical figure, as it represents the team’s firm commitment regardless of roster cuts. Will Howard’s contract includes $248,100 in guaranteed money. This amount is tied directly to his signing bonus.
3. The Signing Bonus Detail
Howard received a signing bonus of $248,100. The signing bonus is the only fully guaranteed portion of the contract and is paid upfront. This bonus is prorated over the four years of the deal for salary cap purposes, meaning it has a minimal impact on the Steelers' immediate cap space.
4. The 2025 Base Salary Expectation
As a rookie, Howard’s base salary for the 2025 season is expected to be approximately $840,000. This is the minimum salary for a player with zero accrued seasons, as set by the CBA. This base salary, combined with the prorated signing bonus, makes up his total cap hit for the year.
5. Impact on the Steelers’ Salary Cap
Given the low total value and minimal guaranteed money compared to first-round picks, Howard’s contract is highly cap-friendly for the Steelers. His cap hit will be among the lowest on the roster, making him a low-risk, high-reward developmental prospect for General Manager Omar Khan and the front office. The structure allows the team significant flexibility heading into future seasons.
Will Howard’s Role in the 2025 Steelers Quarterback Depth Chart
The signing of Will Howard comes with the understanding that he is a raw, high-upside project, not an immediate starter. His role on the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers roster will be defined by his performance in training camp and the preseason, as he competes for a spot on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Competition and Positional Outlook
Howard joins a revamped quarterback room that includes established veterans and other developmental players. The Steelers’ 2025 depth chart features a clear hierarchy, with Howard positioned to compete for the third-string or emergency quarterback role.
- Developmental Asset: As a sixth-round pick, Howard is viewed as a developmental prospect. The Steelers are investing in his size (6’4”, 235 lbs), arm strength, and extensive experience in major college football, including his time at Kansas State and the national championship run at Ohio State.
- Roster Battle: Howard will likely be in a direct competition with other reserve quarterbacks for a spot. His ability to quickly grasp the NFL playbook and show consistency will be key factors in whether he makes the active roster or lands on the practice squad, where he can continue his growth without taking up a valuable roster spot.
- Future Potential: His contract runs through 2028, giving the Steelers a long window to develop him. The low cap hit makes him an ideal long-term backup option if his development progresses as hoped. His physical traits—namely his size and arm talent—align with the profile of a classic NFL pocket passer, giving him a high ceiling compared to many late-round picks.
The commitment of a four-year contract confirms that the Pittsburgh Steelers see Will Howard as more than just a training camp arm. His $4.4 million deal is a strategic investment in a strong-armed quarterback who has proven he can handle high-pressure situations, both in the Big 12 and the Big Ten. His future success will depend on his ability to transition from the college game’s complexity to the speed and precision required in the National Football League.
Detail Author:
- Name : Loma Jakubowski
- Username : hermann.ellis
- Email : erna40@huel.com
- Birthdate : 1981-09-25
- Address : 75747 Sipes Wall Suite 280 Rossiestad, MO 13357
- Phone : (737) 971-2382
- Company : Johns and Sons
- Job : Fish Hatchery Manager
- Bio : Qui autem voluptatibus repellendus nemo aut. Quos rerum aut iusto id. Illo harum debitis qui ut. Tempore expedita quam molestiae vel.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@bradly9025
- username : bradly9025
- bio : Eos explicabo repudiandae reiciendis fugit iste aut.
- followers : 3552
- following : 339
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/bjones
- username : bjones
- bio : Illum debitis repellat architecto quam quos.
- followers : 1982
- following : 2412
