Jon Gruden Drops Bombshell Comparison on Steelers QB Will Howard
Will Howard’s decision to transfer from Kansas State to the Ohio State Buckeyes was a prime example of the transfer portal working out in a big way for both sides. Howard was the leader and playmaker the Buckeyes needed to win the College Football Playoff last season, and he boosted his draft stock in the process.
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft knowing they needed a quarterback, but selecting one early never materialized. They found Howard in the sixth round, though his acclimation to the team was slowed by a broken finger suffered during training camp that forced him to miss the entire preseason. The good news for Howard came this week, as he was reinstated from injured reserve on Wednesday.
Pittsburgh has its quarterback for this season in Aaron Rodgers, but what comes after remains to be seen. One former NFL head coach who has gotten to know Howard believes he might be exactly what the Steelers need down the road.
“I love Will Howard,” Jon Gruden told 93.7 The Fan on Thursday. “I am thankful that he is up. I will be surprised if Will Howard is on the bench much longer. He’s got everything you want in a quarterback. We won a Super Bowl with Brad Johnson. He’s got that prototype size I like — he’s 6’4”, 225-230, and built like a horse. I mean, this is a big guy. He can run the ball, he can keep it on the zone read, he’s an accurate passer. He’s a winner, man. This guy is a winner.”
Where Will Howard stands with the Steelers
Will Howard might have missed physical time on the football field for the Steelers, but he took advantage of every mental rep he could find while rehabbing his throwing hand. So much so that Steelers OC Arthur Smith even gave him the nickname "Coach Will." But now, player Will is back. After returning to practice a few weeks ago, the Steelers officially activated him from the injured reserve this week, and he is fully back in the mix.
Internally, the Steelers were very happy to have selected Howard as late as the sixth round. However, their actions don't necessarily match their words. Despite the growing belief among a contingent of Steelers fans, Pittsburgh is still very much in the process of finding its next signal caller. At nearly every big game this year where a top-flight quarterback prospect is playing, the Steelers have sent a scout, if not multiple.
That doesn't mean Will Howard isn't a suitable backup with starter upside. I think that's his exact role. Perhaps in an open competition, he proves to be even better. It would be unwise to limit Howard's ceiling, but the Steelers are still searching for a QB of the future.
Eagles WR A.J. Brown defends QB Jalen Hurts amidst offensive struggles
Unless you have been living under a metaphorical rock, you have come across Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown voicing displeasure with his role within the offense — again.
In Philadelphia's Monday night win over the Green Bay Packers, Brown was targeted just three times: twice to begin the game and not again until the controversial 4th & 6 incompletion. The entire night was a defensive struggle, but that is no excuse to disregard one of the top pass-catchers in football.
Following the game, screenshots started circulating on social media of Brown allegedly being open on a play, and Hurts didn't go to him. Below is the image in question:
A.J. Brown:"I'm open!"🦅
Jalen Hurts: "Nope ..." pic.twitter.com/3qbVLOIcOe
— Johnny B (@Johnny_Barstool) November 11, 2025
When asked about this narrative on Wednesday, Brown stood up for Hurts and stated that you cannot derive any conclusions from still images of a specific play.
A.J. Brown on the instances where he's open and Jalen Hurts hasn't thrown to him: "Certain plays have different reads, despite what it looks like when someone takes a screenshot, you can't go off that. He has certain reads, he has a lot going on in his head that he's trying to…
— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) November 13, 2025
The relationship between Brown and Hurts has been a recurring topic of discussion for years. Whenever the offense struggles, many are quick to speculate that tension exists between the two. In this case, there is an evident disconnect within the game plan.
Heading into Week 11, Brown ranks 61st in receptions (31), 50th in receiving yards (408), and 45th in touchdowns (3), which are career lows across the board. Considering Philadelphia is 17-3 when Brown records 100+ receiving yards in a game, it would be beneficial to target him early and often.
The lack of involvement hasn't cost the Eagles many games yet, but they will need to score more than ten points to defeat Detroit this Sunday.
A.J. Brown said he won’t apologize for talking about his frustration on a Twitch stream Tuesday.
He said “if you have eyes” you can see why he’s frustrated and that he is pushing for the offense to improve because he wants to win and make an impact.
Here’s part of his comments: pic.twitter.com/gWDKV5wRKP — EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) November 12, 2025
