The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating a complex quarterback situation as they await Aaron Rodgers' decision for the 2026 season. With the addition of Drew Allar from Penn State in the third round and a focus on developing both Allar and second-year QB Will Howard, head coach Mike McCarthy faces the challenge of ensuring all quarterbacks receive adequate practice reps. The potential presence of Rodgers complicates preparation, as he also demands significant snaps during training. Analyst Ray Fittipaldo emphasizes the need for creative strategies to maximize development opportunities before the crucial 2027 draft. The Steelers must ultimately prioritize evaluating their young QBs while balancing Rodgers' readiness.

By the Numbers
  • The Steelers selected Drew Allar 76th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Will Howard was limited last season due to a hand injury, impacting his readiness.
Yes, But

While Rodgers could provide a competitive edge in 2026, there's skepticism about whether he can lead the team to a Super Bowl. The focus may need to shift from immediate success to developing Howard and Allar for future seasons, especially with a deep quarterback class looming in 2027.

State of Play
  • The Steelers currently have four quarterbacks on roster, assuming Rodgers returns.
  • OTAs, minicamp, and training camp are critical for assessing Howard and Allar's potential.
What's Next

The Steelers will likely need to start Allar and Howard early in the season, potentially positioning them to rely on the draft in 2027 if development doesn’t yield clear results. Finding the right balance of practice time among the quarterbacks will be essential.

Bottom Line

The Steelers must prioritize the development of young quarterbacks Allar and Howard to secure their future, even if it means taking risks in 2026. Balancing veteran readiness with young talent assessment will be crucial for both immediate performance and long-term success.