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Veteran Skylar Thompson Clash in Steelers Camp for QB

There’s always a twist in training camp, and this year, it might come from the least expected place — the battle for the Pittsburgh Steelers' third-string quarterback. With rookie Will Howard going head-to-head with Skylar Thompson, a rematch years in the making could end in heartbreak for one of them. The decision might feel minor on paper, but its ripple effect could shake up the Steelers' depth chart — and possibly their future.

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Camp battles are nothing new in Pittsburgh, but this one carries a unique subplot. The league trend is clear: most teams are now carrying only two quarterbacks into the regular season. But the Steelers, ever the contrarians, are rolling with four — Aaron Rodgers as the clear starter, Mason Rudolph as the reliable backup, and then the wildcard duo: Thompson vs. Howard. It’s not just about who performs better — it’s about who fits better into a team looking for both stability and long-term upside.

Aaron Rodgers Fit With Steelers Called Into Question by NFL Legend -  Newsweek

Skylar Thompson brings veteran savvy and the kind of steady, unspectacular presence coaches value when chaos hits. He’s no stranger to being underestimated. While his stat line won’t turn heads, his experience and poise make him a dependable option — the kind of guy who won’t win you games, but won’t lose them either. And most notably, Thompson already beat Howard once in their Kansas State days. History has a funny way of repeating itself.

Five Fast Facts: Skylar Thompson

Will Howard’s draft status complicates the picture. Picked in the sixth round, he enters with more questions than answers. Though once touted as a possible Day 2 selection, his slide to the later rounds spoke volumes. Still, his arm talent and upside give the Steelers a project worth developing — if they can afford the patience. But the clock is ticking. Howard must shine quickly, because Pittsburgh’s room is too crowded, and practice squad insurance isn't a likely luxury.

As QB Will Howard begins new chapter with Steelers, he's still 'the guy' in  Ohio: 'I'm always going to have a home here' - Yahoo Sports

This isn’t just about QB3 — it’s about opportunity and timing. Should Howard fail to make an early impression, he might find himself out of Pittsburgh before his career even starts. For Steelers fans, this battle might not come with the glitz of primetime headlines, but it deserves attention. Because when the roster is trimmed to 53, one man’s dream might be cut — while the other’s gets revived in black and gold.

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Patrick Queen Confirms Star WR Eagles Rejected Ravens to Work Out with Steelers - Awaiting Medical Check
Pittsburgh, PA – As the 2025 NFL trade deadline heats up with the November 4 cutoff approaching, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen has publicly confirmed that wide receiver DeVonta Smith – the struggling star from the Philadelphia Eagles – turned down an invitation from the Baltimore Ravens to instead participate in a workout with the Steelers. This revelation came from Queen in a recent interview, sparking speculation about a potential trade deal, contingent on Smith passing an upcoming medical examination. This is the latest development in the rumors surrounding the Steelers' efforts to upgrade their wide receiver position after trading Diontae Johnson in the offseason. Source: https://x.com/CarneyMedia/status/1974569559236727034 According to Queen, who previously played for the Ravens before signing a 3-year, $41 million contract with the Steelers in 2024, Smith received an offer from Baltimore but chose to decline in favor of the opportunity in Pittsburgh. "I know DeVonta said no to the Ravens because he sees the Steelers as a better fit for his development," Queen shared on his personal podcast, emphasizing the connections between Smith and the Steelers' coaching staff. Queen, who has expressed disappointment over the Ravens not offering him a new contract, suggested that Smith's decision reflects "dissatisfaction with how the Ravens handle young players." This adds extra drama as Queen is set to face his former team in the upcoming Steelers vs. Ravens matchup. DeVonta Smith, who is experiencing the slowest start of his career with just 18 receptions and 289 yards through the first four games of the 2025 season, is facing frustration at the Eagles due to his limited role in the red zone under coordinator Kellen Moore. Along with A.J. Brown, the Eagles' expensive WR duo (each over $50 million) is rumored to be on the trade block to alleviate salary cap burdens, with Smith seen as the more feasible candidate thanks to his speed and route-running skills that would complement DK Metcaf in Pittsburgh. Sources from NFL executives indicate the Eagles rejected offseason offers for Smith, but the recent loss to the Denver Broncos (where Brown and Smith combined for only 6 yards in the first half) has ramped up the pressure. The Steelers, boasting a 3-1 start to the season under GM Omar Khan – renowned for big deals like acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick – are "heavily monitoring" the situation in Philadelphia, according to a report from Carney Media on X. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith previously coached Smith in Tennessee, while assistant GM Andy Weidl was involved in drafting him at the Eagles, creating a natural connection. However, everything hinges on the results of Smith's medical check, scheduled for this week, to ensure he has no issues from recent injuries. The Eagles have not officially commented on the rumors but have affirmed there are no plans to trade Smith before the deadline. Meanwhile, Queen wrapped up his interview with encouragement: "If DeVonta comes here, he'll be the perfect piece for our offense." With the Eagles currently on their bye week, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting to see if this workout leads to a contract, potentially shifting the AFC North landscape. The Steelers will face their next opponent while awaiting updates from the medical check.