The 2025 NFL offseason was a rollercoaster for Aaron Rodgers, the four-time MVP whose future kept the league on edge. Released by the New York Jets in March 2025 after a lackluster 5-12 season, Rodgers, 41, became the most coveted free agent quarterback. Known for his flair for drama, he kept teams guessing, delaying his decision for months. The Pittsburgh Steelers, desperate for a proven-signal caller, waited patiently despite drafting Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round (No. 185 overall). Rodgers’ prolonged consideration, including a visit to Pittsburgh earlier, left the Steelers’ quarterback room, featuring Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, in a limbo. Finally, just before minicamp, Rodgers signed a one-year $13.65 million deal, bringing his NFL experience to a franchise, hungry for playoff success.
Now in Pittsburgh, Rodgers is already making an impact, not just as the starting quarterback but also as a mentor to rookie QB Will Howard. The former Ohio State national champion, who went 14-2 in his lone season with the Buckeyes, is soaking up knowledge from the future Hall of Famer. Rodgers’ early interactions with Howard during minicamp signals a promising mentor-mentee dynamic, with the veteran sharing insights to refine the young quarterback’s skills.
Will Howard sounded thrilled about learning from Rodgers, describing him as a “legend” who’s been “awesome” from day one. During minicamp, Rodgers sat beside Howard, asking questions about plays and offering tips on various mechanisms of the game, like tightening five-step drop for more throwing power.
“He’s like, ‘As much or as little as you want me to help you, I’ll be there,;'” Howard told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Rodgers’ willingness to share his 20 years of NFL experience, including 28 touchdowns in 2024 despite a subpar season, is proving to be invaluable and definitely worth what the Steelers are paying him currently. Howard, eager to absorb every lesson, sees this as a transformative opportunity to grow behind a quarterback icon.
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