PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers second-year quarterback Will Howard continues to receive rave reviews this offseason. On Wednesday, Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth gushed about the former Ohio State Buckeye quarterback.
"He's doing everything and more that we can ask of him," Arth said. "He is exceeding expectations. We couldn't be happier with where he is at."
Arth has been impressed with what he's seen from Howard, but he noted that it's still early in the process.
"He's performed well here in OTAs up to this point, but once we get to training camp and into preseason I think that's where the true evaluation will start to take place," Arth said.
The Steelers selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round in April. So Arth is not only developing Howard.
"I think it's really good. I think it's really positive to have two young guys together," Arth said. "Obviously, they're at a little bit different stages and different players, but two guys who are going to be very competitive with one another. They get along well. They're both great, great people — smart players — but they're ultra-competitive. They wouldn't be here if they weren't. I'm very excited to see how that plays out as we get into training camp and get into the preseason, just how the two of them bring out the best in each other."
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard during a practice on Dec. 17, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers would like to have all four quarterbacks on their roster. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has repeatedly stated this offseason that it's possibly to develop two quarterbacks at the same time.
"Coach makes it a priority in our schedule," Arth said of McCarthy. "We have the ability to really train the footwork, train all the different drills and concepts and different types of throws that we're asking these guys to make. It's pretty unique in that way."
Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers took Howard under his wing last year. He'll now do the same for Allar.
"They're able to help each other, number one, first and foremost," Arth said. "Aaron is incredible with the entire group, especially Will and Drew as young players. But even Mason has had an incredible career. He's played almost a decade of football. That's pretty rare and pretty special, so he has some great experiences. Those guys have an opportunity to learn from him, as well."
Developing two quarterbacks at the same time is not an easy task, especially with the limit reps available, but Arth is taking it head on.
"It's certainly a challenge," Arth said, "but I think it probably benefits us more than it challenges us."
Alan Saunders and Brenden Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : 'Exceeding Expectations:' Steelers QBs Coach Gives Will Howard Ringing Endorsement
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