Pittsburgh Steelers Face Quarterback Decisions Ahead

The Pittsburgh Steelers are confronting significant decisions regarding their quarterback lineup for the upcoming season. With Aaron Rodgers set to retire after 2026, the team must determine if his successor is already in their ranks.

A current quarterback competition is underway between Drew Allar, a rookie and third-round pick, and Will Howard, a sixth-round selection from 2025. Both players show promise as potential starters for the 2027 season.

Allar showed his capabilities in his preseason debut, completing 10 out of 13 passes, gaining 153 yards, throwing two touchdowns, and running for a score. However, his second performance saw less success with just 11 of 23 passes completed for 110 yards.

Howard’s performance has been steady but unspectacular. Over two games, he has completed 17 out of 24 passes, totaling 160 yards and two interceptions.

Despite their performances, both Allar and Howard appear secure on the roster. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the team’s decision to keep them, as well as Mason Rudolph, was made before the recent preseason game against the New York Jets.

“There will be one more preseason game to determine how many quarterbacks Steelers coach Mike McCarthy will keep on his 53-man roster. But he doesn’t need another game to know this: Will Howard and Drew Allar will be on the team,” Dulac reported.

As the Steelers prepare for roster adjustments following the last preseason game against Buffalo, the inclusion of Rudolph remains significant. Though he brings experience with a 9-9-1 record, the Steelers evidently see their future in Allar, Howard, or a 2027 draft acquisition.