Ohio State’s Will Howard Linked to Historic NFL Franchise to Join $75 Million QB

Ohio State’s Will Howard Linked to Historic NFL Franchise to Join $75 Million QB

The college football landscape is constantly evolving, and the bridge from college stardom to the NFL is one of the most scrutinized transitions for any player. Every year, aspiring athletes in the college ranks hope to make an impact on the professional stage, and few universities have been as successful at producing top-tier NFL talent as Ohio State University. From Nick Bosa to Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State consistently churns out future pros who go on to achieve incredible success. Among the players with eyes on the NFL draft is Will Howard, a talented quarterback who has spent time developing under the bright lights of Ohio State football.

While Howard is still relatively early in his career, recent reports have tied him to one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises—a team with an established quarterback making $75 million annually. This potential connection could be a game-changer for Howard’s development, offering him the unique opportunity to not only compete at the professional level but to learn behind one of the most well-paid and successful quarterbacks in the game. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Will Howard’s trajectory, his link to this NFL franchise, and the potential long-term implications of joining a high-caliber team.

Who Is Will Howard?

Before delving into his potential NFL future, it’s important to understand who Will Howard is and what makes him a standout prospect. A quarterback at Ohio State University, Howard has garnered attention for his physical traits, strong arm, and overall football IQ. Born and raised in Kansas, Howard’s path to Ohio State was not without its challenges. He spent his early career competing at a high level in the state of Kansas, showcasing his abilities in both high school and youth football leagues.

When he committed to Ohio State, it was a pivotal moment for his career. The Buckeyes are known for their dynamic offensive system, a system that has historically helped shape some of the best quarterbacks in college football, such as Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins. Howard’s decision to join Ohio State was both a reflection of his potential and a sign of the program’s belief in his abilities.

At Ohio State, Howard was able to develop his skills under the tutelage of one of the most successful coaching staffs in the country. Ryan Day, known for his expertise with quarterbacks, became a key figure in Howard’s progression. By learning the ins and outs of the Ohio State offense and training under such a renowned coach, Howard was able to polish his mechanics, expand his football knowledge, and mature as a leader. While he may not yet have fully taken over as the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, Howard’s growth has been significant, and his future in football looks incredibly promising.

The NFL Connection: Will Howard and the $75 Million QB

As the 2025 NFL draft approaches, rumors have begun to circulate linking Will Howard to one of the NFL’s most historic franchises. This franchise, which has a long and storied history in the league, has been in need of a backup quarterback who can not only provide support but also eventually take on a larger role when the time is right. This connection to Will Howard stems from several factors, including Howard’s skill set, the franchise’s need for a future quarterback, and the presence of a current star quarterback earning a whopping $75 million annually.

The franchise in question is the Green Bay Packers, a team that has had a legendary history with quarterbacks. From Bart Starr to Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have boasted some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Currently, they have Jordan Love, who is set to take over the reins of the team after Aaron Rodgers’ departure. With Love now at the helm, the Packers are looking to build a future around him while also ensuring they have the necessary depth at quarterback to secure long-term success.

Jordan Love’s $75 Million Deal

Jordan Love, who was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has made significant strides in recent seasons. After sitting behind Aaron Rodgers for a few years, Love is ready to step into the starting role and lead the Packers into the future. In a league where top-tier quarterbacks are being paid record-breaking salaries, Love recently inked a $75 million contract extension, a deal that will solidify his status as the Packers’ franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.

While Love is now the centerpiece of the Packers’ offense, the team understands the importance of building a stable depth chart behind him. NFL franchises, especially ones with high-profile quarterbacks like Love, need to ensure that their backup quarterback can step in when necessary, whether due to injury or other circumstances. This is where Will Howard comes into the picture.

Will Howard’s Fit with the Packers

The Packers’ interest in Will Howard is driven by his combination of skills and potential upside. Howard has demonstrated a solid arm and the ability to read defenses, which are essential traits for any quarterback trying to make it in the NFL. His experience playing under the bright lights of Ohio State will also serve him well, as he is accustomed to high-pressure situations and competing against some of the best college defenses in the country.

For Howard, joining the Packers could be the perfect opportunity to learn from a quarterback of Jordan Love’s caliber. With Love earning $75 million, Howard would be able to study how a quarterback of that status prepares for games, manages a locker room, and performs in crucial moments. This mentorship could be invaluable in Howard’s development as a professional quarterback. Additionally, the Packers’ offensive system, under head coach Matt LaFleur, is known for its versatility and ability to adapt to different quarterback skill sets, making it an ideal environment for a quarterback like Howard to thrive.

Although Howard would likely start as a backup in Green Bay, the franchise’s history of nurturing quarterbacks means he could eventually have the chance to compete for the starting role. The Packers have a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, and Howard would benefit from being in that system, surrounded by experienced coaches and an organization that prioritizes quarterback development.

The Importance of Developing Behind a Star

Many young quarterbacks entering the NFL are thrust into starting roles right away, often without the opportunity to learn behind a veteran or a proven star. This can be a challenging environment for a developing quarterback, especially given the intense pressure to perform. However, Will Howard’s potential move to the Packers offers him a chance to develop in a way that many other young quarterbacks don’t get.

Learning behind Jordan Love could be a significant advantage for Howard. Love’s experience, combined with his high-caliber talent, could provide Howard with valuable insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. The chance to observe how Love approaches game preparation, film study, and decision-making could be instrumental in shaping Howard into a future starting quarterback.

Additionally, Howard would be able to build relationships with the Packers’ coaching staff, who are known for their work with quarterbacks. LaFleur’s system is quarterback-friendly, and Howard could develop a deeper understanding of how to run a pro-style offense efficiently.

The Road Ahead for Will Howard

While Howard’s future with the Green Bay Packers is not yet guaranteed, the opportunity to be linked to one of the NFL’s most successful franchises is an exciting development for the young quarterback. With Jordan Love at the helm and Howard potentially serving as his backup, Howard’s path to an NFL career looks promising.

If Howard continues to develop and take advantage of the learning opportunities available to him, he could find himself as the Packers’ future quarterback, stepping into the starting role when the time is right. His growth as a player will depend on his ability to refine his skills, adapt to the speed of the NFL, and learn from the experienced players around him.