The voluntary minicamp serves as the first real checkpoint on the road to redemption. For Mike McCarthy and the Pittsburgh Steelers, that moment carries even more weight. A new regime led by a confident quarterback feels like exactly what this franchise needs as it tries to climb out of mediocrity in the AFC North.
There is real excitement surrounding this fresh start, but one issue continues to linger and grow louder with each passing day: the uncertainty at quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers has yet to make a final decision about returning for the 2026 season. According to Ian Rapoport, with minicamp officially underway, Will Howard is the current leader under center. That reality may unsettle some, but it should not come as a surprise.
In fact, it might be the most logical step forward for this team.
Howard enters this moment without any regular-season experience. He did not take a meaningful snap during his rookie year, which naturally makes it difficult to fully trust what he can bring right away. That hesitation becomes even more understandable when compared to Rodgers’ production last season.
Even at his age, Rodgers delivered efficient play and gave the offense a steady presence. Replacing that is no small task.
Still, Howard is far from an ordinary young quarterback. He remains raw, but his collegiate résumé speaks for itself. Leading Ohio State to a National Championship requires more than just talent. It demands composure, leadership, and the ability to rise in critical moments. Those traits do not disappear when a player enters the NFL.
If anything, they provide a foundation to build upon.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are making the right decision by making Will Howard the presumed QB1
There is also value in what Howard experienced behind the scenes last year.
Spending a season learning from a veteran like Rodgers offers insight that cannot be replicated in practice reps alone. The mental side of the game, preparation habits, and understanding defensive schemes are all lessons that carry forward. While it does not replace live action, it does accelerate development.
It is also worth noting that McCarthy’s staff does not appear to be investing in Howard simply to maintain appearances. Their interest feels genuine. There is a belief that he can grow into something more, even if circumstances are pushing him into the spotlight sooner than expected. With Rodgers still undecided, the Steelers are left with little choice but to explore what they have.
In many ways, that might be exactly what this offense needs.
A clean break can be uncomfortable, but it often leads to necessary progress. Waiting indefinitely on Rodgers risks slowing down that progress. The Steelers have already made meaningful offseason additions and are positioned to continue improving through the 2026 NFL Draft. Allowing uncertainty at quarterback to stall that momentum would be a costly mistake.
Rodgers’ presence undoubtedly carries weight. His experience, leadership, and past success can elevate an entire locker room. But there comes a point when a franchise must prioritize its future over holding on to the past. Delaying growth for a veteran nearing the end of his career can create more harm than good.
Right now, the Steelers seem to be approaching that turning point.
Voluntary minicamp offers Howard a valuable opportunity to take control, learn through mistakes, and begin shaping his identity within the offense. It will not be perfect, and there will be growing pains along the way. That is part of the process. What matters is that the team continues moving forward.
At this stage, the direction feels clear. The Steelers cannot afford to stand still. Whether Rodgers returns or not, the work must continue. And for now, Will Howard is the one leading that charge.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' voluntary minicamp runs from Monday, April 20, through Wednesday, April 22.
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