Will Howard’s Steelers minicamp debut shaping Pittsburgh’s QB future

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have just found their next big quarterback, but is Will Howard ready to take the reins? After making his debut at the team’s rookie minicamp, Howard’s performance has already sparked conversations around Pittsburgh and across the NFL. While it’s still early in the process, there’s something about Howard’s leadership and poise that stands out. Could this rookie be the future of the Steelers’ offense, or is he just another player in a long line of unfulfilled QB dreams?When Will Howard took the field for his first official minicamp with the Steelers, all eyes were on him. But instead of looking for cannon throws or perfect passes, head coach Mike Tomlin was focused on something much more fundamental: leadership. In the NFL, a quarterback is expected to do more than just play well; he needs to lead his team and communicate effectively.Tomlin made it clear that he wanted to see Howard's ability to run a huddle, relay plays to teammates, and absorb new information quickly. And from what we’ve seen so far, Howard seems to be hitting the mark. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who was at minicamp, was impressed by Howard’s command in the huddle and his easy rapport with teammates. Even in rookie minicamp walkthroughs, Howard came across as a natural leader—something that will serve him well as he navigates the transition to the NFL.While Howard’s leadership abilities are clearly strong, the real question is: Can he grow beyond just being a “good leader”? The NFL is full of talented players, and it’s easy to be outpaced by the competition if your physical game doesn’t catch up. Howard certainly has a solid foundation, but can he adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses?If rumors of Aaron Rodgers joining the Steelers come true, Howard could have the unique opportunity to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the league. But even if Rodgers doesn’t come to Pittsburgh, Howard might find himself in the mix sooner than expected, especially if Mason Rudolph doesn't secure the starting role.Also Read: Jason Kelce’s post-NFL weight loss journey from 295 to 270 poundsWith rookie minicamp behind him, Howard’s next big test comes in organized team activities (OTAs) starting on May 27. These upcoming sessions will give fans their next glimpse at how he handles real-team situations. Sure, his leadership skills have impressed so far, but now it’s time to see if he can turn those intangibles into consistent play on the field.