The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for making strategic, calculated decisions when it comes to roster moves—especially at the quarterback position. That’s why it comes as no surprise that the organization is reportedly hesitant to sign inexperienced youngster Will Howard to a permanent contract. While Howard has shown flashes of potential, the reality remains that his lack of professional experience is a glaring factor working against him.

Will Howard, a standout in college football, certainly has the physical attributes and leadership qualities that teams look for in a developmental quarterback. However, stepping onto an NFL field requires more than raw talent—it demands proven performance under pressure, an ability to read complex defenses, and the composure that only comes with time and repetition at the professional level. Unfortunately, Howard has yet to demonstrate these qualities in a way that satisfies the Steelers’ expectations.

One of the biggest concerns inside the Steelers’ front office is Howard’s limited exposure to top-tier competition. Despite a respectable college career, he hasn’t faced the elite speed and tactical sophistication that define NFL defenses. This lack of real-game reps against pro-caliber opponents makes it difficult to assess how he would handle the speed, pressure, and decision-making requirements of the NFL. The Steelers cannot afford to gamble on a quarterback who may not be ready to step in when it counts.

Furthermore, Howard hasn’t had the opportunity to participate in high-stakes games such as NFL preseason matchups or meaningful regular-season snaps. Without that experience, the coaching staff lacks sufficient film and performance metrics to accurately project his growth trajectory. As a result, offering him a permanent contract at this stage would be more of a leap of faith than a sound football decision.

The Steelers are also dealing with an already crowded quarterback room, including veterans and other young prospects with more NFL seasoning. Committing to Howard long-term would require making space, and with limited practice reps to go around, it’s unlikely that the team would prioritize an unproven rookie over more experienced options. From a roster management standpoint, it just doesn’t make sense to lock up a player who might be two to three years away from contributing meaningfully.

All in all, while Will Howard may have a promising future ahead of him, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not in a position to take that risk now. The organization values consistency, experience, and readiness—and until Howard can demonstrate those traits in a professional setting, he’s unlikely to earn a permanent spot on the roster. For now, the Steelers will keep their eyes open for more polished talent while Howard continues to develop.