The long-term future at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers remains very much up in the air, but for the upcoming season, it appears 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is trending toward a return.
Rodgers is reportedly expected to travel to Pittsburgh on Friday to meet with the Steelers and potentially finalize a contract that would position him as the team's starting quarterback for a second straight season.
That likely means last year's sixth-round pick, Will Howard, who had been viewed as a possible contender for the starting role, will spend another season behind Rodgers alongside Mason Rudolph and rookie Drew Allar.
Howard spoke about his mindset heading into the season, whether he ends up competing for the starting job or once again serving as the backup to Aaron Rodgers.
"Everyone talks about last year like it was a wasted year - absolutely not," Howard said during an appearance on the Christian Kuntz Podcast. "I got to sit there and watch Aaron. I got to study, break down clips for him, and be his signal guy. He let me pick his brain and was so good with me throughout last year, and even this offseason we've stayed in touch."
Howard also expressed excitement about his opportunity moving forward with the Steelers.
"I'm a sixth-rounder who gets to be here and have an opportunity to compete with the guys already in the room," Howard said. "If Aaron wants to come back another year, either way I'm fired up. I think it's a great scenario for my future and for the organization too."
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