NFL News: Mike Tomlin sends clear message about Will Howard ahead of possible Steelers starting quarterback competition with Aaron Rodgers

Mike Tomlin spoke about Will Howard’s first training sessions as quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers during rookie minicamp. While the team is still waiting on Aaron Rodgers, this was the head coach’s response about what he is looking for in this first stage for the young star from Ohio State.

“You know, huddle command and communication. The ability to regurgitate new information, and by new information, I mean information that’s new to them. So, I don’t want to underscore how difficult it is to receive some of the verbiage from a play caller and have to regurgitate it to ten others that are waiting for it. Some elementary things, but important things nonetheless. The giving and receiving of information is a central component of leadership at that position.”

Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have not been Super Bowl contenders again, and as a result, any quarterback who arrives through the draft generates a lot of anticipation among fans. Howard has been no exception, despite being selected in the sixth round.

Who are the Steelers signing at quarterback?

The Steelers already signed Will Howard to a four-year contract, adding him to the list of names in the quarterback room like Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Tomlin admitted that, in the rookie’s case, things need to be taken very slowly.

“He’s doing great, but, again, we’re at the very beginning of it. I don’t know that we’re looking at it through that lens in terms of evaluating him. It’s more about getting to know him and just laying a good foundation that way.”

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Tomlin also spoke about his entire 2025 rookie class. It’s important to note that the Steelers have already signed all the players they selected in the draft except for Derrick Harmon, and they also added eight undrafted free agents.

“Man, really excited about the work that’s going on this weekend and really, you know, focused in a lot of areas. We got some on field work and development of skill relative to the positions that they play, but it’s also just a introductory to the organization. There’s an education going on in a lot of fronts. It’s fun to get to know the guys and how they learn. Their talents, how their body works, how they take in information, how they communicate. Obviously, we’re at ground zero, but it’s a great opportunity to get better on. They’ve been really engaged. So, the process has been fun.”

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