With Aaron Rodgers and DJ Metcalf now working out in the Steelers’ South Side facility, Pittsburgh is all set for a new era. As Peter Schrager put it, “They could be Super Bowl contenders… They didn’t make these moves to just get to where they were the last few years.” While the veteran faces, despite being fresh in Pittsburgh, did impress over the three-day mandatory minicamp, the rookies too left an impression. One in particular was Will Howard, HC Mike Tomlin’s possible future franchise signal caller. And when the Wednesday minicamp rolled in, he proved his promise to “outwork everybody” true. But it was not just how he soaked everything under Rodgers’ wing.

Sharing the field in the final two minutes of the session with Howard was Tomlin’s third-year TE2 Darnell Washington. Although the Nevada native could not show his prowess in the previous minicamp, seemingly unhappy about the failed task, this time, he had a different experience. Connecting with the QB on a 20-yard TD, he not just proved why Tomlin and the locker room trusts him. But for him, he was all credits to the rookie, “Will put that ball in the perfect spot.” However, he had a lot more to share about the entire minicamp experience this season, and also some thoughts on the new QB out of Ohio State.

In a candid moment at Steelers minicamp, a reporter asked Washington, “Darnell, walk us through how things go when you guys get two minutes with Will Howard.” The TE didn’t hold back, putting it with blunt honesty: “Oh, you talk about all that, okay. The defense gave us too high. I had the same read. Something we was talking about yesterday. I also had it yesterday, but I didn’t do a good enough job as I did today. You know, just started too high. Gave the outside linebacker a little move. Take split the middle of them and Will did the rest.”

So, it was confirmed that their on-field chemistry was growing by the day, backed by a timely throw by the rookie in the house. That kind of connection can’t be overstated in an offense rebuilding trust. Washington’s developing route awareness meets Howard’s ability to read zone coverage. But he had more to add about Howard.

“Will’s a funny guy, I’m gonna say a young guy, he’s an incredible young guy. He’s coming in here and competing against older guys and things like that. So, I just say, like, you just see his own talent improve, you just see his reach. Will’s growing in every aspect of his game when it comes to throwing, decision making and things like that.”

If they truly connect, the Steelers gain a tight end-WR-like spread weapon at TE, adding flexibility to both play-action and two-minute drills.

Add in Darnell’s praise of his own offensive coordinator’s trust—“it’s just different routes coming in slips”, and you get a glimpse into the evolving playbook and growing locker room camaraderie. In a season where Rodgers may share plays with the rookie, Washington’s confidence says: Howard’s window might be opening sooner than late summer. In this evolving Steelers locker room, key voices are stepping up—and who speaks says just as much as what’s said about the rookie QB making waves.

Rodgers backs Will Howard—and Howard soaks it in

Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been silent about his role. As reported by The Standard on X, Rodgers shared support for Howard: “Will’s a good kid. Thought he looked good today… I’m gonna be with him every single day and every single meeting… I’m gonna help him out as much as I can.” That was followed up by Steelers Depot, noting that Rodgers is sitting next to Howard in meetings and offering pre-practice advice, quietly pulling him into elite QB routines. That should do a world of good for Howard, who recently said, “I may not be the most talented but I’m going to outwork everybody.” 

That grit and mentorship combo reflects Rodgers’ new QB-room blueprint. Rodgers isn’t just helping—he’s empowering. Howard revealed that Rodgers often says he doesn’t want to “overstep”—but Howard responds, “Tell me whatever you think.” The rookie explained, “When he says it, it’s not overstepping, snagging cheat codes from the big boss.” This hasn’t gone unnoticed. Steelers’ HC Mike Tomlin said, “He’s doing great… we’re at the very beginning.” Broadcasters like Peter Schrager opined Aaron Rodgers could trigger a Super Bowl contender offense, crediting Rodgers’ mentorship and leadership. 

Howard’s credentials extend far beyond hype. In last season’s championship run at Ohio State, he completed 73% of his passes, threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns, and earned CFP National Championship Game Offensive MVP honors. He also threw an efficient 96.3 deep‑pass PFF grade and hit 57.4% of his 20+ yard throws, ranking among the nation’s elite. For a rookie stepping into Steelers camp, those numbers aren’t form—they’re statements.

This offense now has two clear paths: Rodgers commanding every snap or gradually handing off trust to a rising Will Howard. If Washington’s early read holds true, Howard’s composure and chemistry with his teammates might fast-track his growth. Rodgers has pledged to mentor him every single day, actively laying the foundation for what’s next. So, the question now becomes—can this unexpected Rodgers–Howard combo quietly shape the Steelers’ next era?