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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – As the New Orleans Saints sink deeper with an 0-4 record through the first four weeks of the 2025 season, trade rumors surrounding star running back Alvin Kamara are heating up more than ever. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly showing “special” interest in the 30-year-old, with reports indicating they are preparing a major offer that includes arranging a medical evaluation to assess Kamara’s health before moving forward with a deal. This could be a huge boost for a Steelers offense lacking depth at running back due to injuries and Jaylen Warren’s inconsistent performance. The Saints are facing a full-blown crisis, from a porous defense to financial woes with a projected $21.8 million cap deficit in 2026. Kamara, still a central piece of their offense with his elite rushing and receiving skills, could be placed on the trade block in exchange for draft capital—likely a late-round pick or a pick swap. Analysts from FanSided and Steelers Wire highlight Pittsburgh as the “ideal destination” for Kamara, as he could immediately strengthen the Steelers’ backfield and help them contend for the AFC North crown while the Ravens and Bengals battle injuries. Kamara, who signed a contract extension with the Saints in 2024, has never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, but his versatility (hundreds of receiving yards annually) makes him an attractive target for playoff contenders. Under GM Omar Khan, the Steelers have become known for bold moves, and adding Kamara could be a strategic step to support QB Aaron Rodgers and capitalize on weakened divisional rivals. The Steelers’ “special” interest is underscored by their plans to conduct a thorough medical evaluation of Kamara—a standard step in blockbuster trades given his history of injuries, including groin and ankle issues from past seasons. If cleared, Kamara could quickly step in as the Steelers’ lead back and pair with Warren to form a powerful one-two punch. Sources from SI.com and Steelers Wire suggest the deal may only cost a late-round pick, making it very feasible before the trade deadline. However, Kamara has previously expressed his desire to remain with the Saints and even holds a no-trade clause. Still, the team’s disastrous situation could force a change. Other teams such as the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos have been mentioned, but the Steelers stand out due to their urgent need and track record of pursuing AFC stars. If the deal goes through, the Steelers could strengthen their Super Bowl push with a bolstered offense, while the Saints would gain draft capital to aid their rebuild. Fans on X (Twitter) are buzzing with “blockbuster” trade proposals involving other names like WR Chris Olave, but Kamara remains the most talked-about piece. All eyes are now on the medical evaluation—whether it seals the deal or not, this could become one of the hottest trades of the 2025 season.