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Steelers Select Quarterback Drew Allar in 2026 Draft, Adding to Uncertain Quarterback Room

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Steelers Draft Drew Allar, Adding Another Young QB to the Room

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Drew Allar from Penn State in the 2026 NFL Draft, creating a quarterback room that now includes Allar, 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, and veteran Aaron Rodgers. The selection reflects the team’s ongoing search for a long-term successor at the position.

Draft Selection Details

The Steelers used their third-round pick (No. 76 or No. 84, depending on the source) to select Allar. The quarterback visited the Steelers facility on April 15—the last day for pre-draft visits—and met with quarterbacks coach Tom Arth.

Allar is 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, with nearly 10-inch hands. He is known for his arm strength, mobility, and size. Scouts and team personnel view him as a project with a high ceiling rather than an immediate starter.

Team Personnel Statements

Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth:

  • The selection of Allar does not affect the decision of Aaron Rodgers regarding a potential return to the team.
  • Allar needs to improve his fundamentals, footwork, processing, and accuracy.
  • Both Allar and Howard are "ultra-competitive individuals" whose competition "typically brings out the best in people."

Head Coach Mike McCarthy:

  • McCarthy cited Allar's "first impression," youth, and throwing ability as positive factors.
  • "I believe in first impressions... he's a young man that can throw the ball with the best of them. "

Quarterback Drew Allar:

  • "It's about pulling for each other first and foremost. You want the team to be successful every Sunday. "

Defensive Lineman Cam Heyward:

  • Advised fans to be patient with the process, adding that the team is comfortable with quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.

Quarterback Room Composition

Following the draft, the team re-signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the 2026 season. As a result, the quarterback room is expected to consist of:

  • Aaron Rodgers (veteran starter)
  • Will Howard (2025 sixth-round pick)
  • Drew Allar (2026 third-round pick)
  • Mason Rudolph (status uncertain)

If Rodgers returns, the team is expected to release either Rudolph or Howard.

Player Analysis and Development

The team emphasized the importance of quarterback play in AFC North weather conditions when evaluating Allar. His arm talent is evident on tape, with accurate deep throws.

Former Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith (now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) stated that he believes Howard is not yet ready to start. According to Smith, Howard would benefit from another year under the mentorship of Rodgers. Smith made this comment on The Larry and Big Man Show, as reported by former Steelers announcer Bill Hillgrove.

Howard, a sixth-round draft pick, did not play in any games last season, including preseason. Rodgers has said he is willing to mentor both Howard and Allar. The team is expected to give Howard and Allar playing time in the preseason.

Historical Context

The Steelers have not identified a long-term successor to Ben Roethlisberger, a situation that has contributed to a decade-long playoff win drought. Head coach Mike McCarthy, hired in part for his offensive expertise and quarterback development history, will oversee the competition among the quarterbacks.