Steelers' Future Revealed As Ex NFL GM Exposed Their Most Likely 2026 Draft Target

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not kept it a secret that they want to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Steelers had many convinced that maybe they would take a swing in the 2025 NFL Draft early, but that didn’t happen. Instead, when Will Howard slid down the board, Pittsburgh scooped up the Ohio State quarterback in the sixth round. While Howard may bring depth and developmental upside, the front office clearly doesn’t see him as the long-term answer. With Aaron Rodgers only locked in as the starter for 2025, the Steelers know the clock is ticking on finding their next franchise quarterback.

That is why all eyes are already on 2026. Pundits, insiders, and even former NFL executives have pointed toward Pittsburgh’s clear plan to land a true future leader under center. While Rodgers offers one final push for a playoff run, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin are positioning the team for the transition that follows. The organization doesn’t want to repeat past mistakes of uncertainty and half-measures at quarterback. Instead, they appear set on identifying a top-tier talent who can step in and grow into the role once Rodgers’ tenure ends.

On Saturday, a surprising rumor surfaced on social media when an anonymous former NFL General Manager revealed who the Steelers’ most likely draft target will be: Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. The 6’5” Allar has the size, arm strength, and tools that scream franchise quarterback, and his connection to a program that has produced NFL-ready talent only adds to the intrigue. If Allar develops as many scouts expect, he could easily headline the 2026 quarterback class. For Pittsburgh, landing him would represent not only the dawn of a new era but also a calculated move to ensure stability and star power at the most important position in football.

"I asked a former NFL GM who RIGHT NOW a quarter of the way through the college football season, who is the quarterback MOST LIKELY to be drafted by the Steelers in Pittsburgh in April. His response? Penn State’s Drew Allar."

Allar experienced a low point in the 2024 College Football Playoff matchup against Notre Dame, when a costly late-game interception sealed State’s fate. That moment has stuck with many fans, and it’s been enough to make some Steelers supporters hesitant to fully buy into the idea of Allar leading the franchise in the future. 

The mistake raised fair questions about his decision-making under pressure, something that will be heavily scrutinized as he continues to develop. Still, many pundits remain confident that Allar has the talent, arm strength, and presence to become a true franchise quarterback if placed in the right system. For those who look past one painful mistake, his ceiling remains as high as any prospect in the 2026 class.

Steelers' Quarterback Situation Expected To Take Center Stage For Several More Seasons

The Steelers’ quarterback drama appears far from finished. Pittsburgh once believed Kenny Pickett could be the next star signal-caller of the franchise, but that experiment ended quickly after the Pitt product failed to meet expectations. Now, with Allar emerging as an intriguing option and several other exciting prospects projected in the 2026 quarterback class, the Steelers once again find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. 

The decision they make in the upcoming draft could define the future of the organization. For now, though, the focus shifts back to the present as Pittsburgh looks to get back on track and return to the win column in Week 3 against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Which quarterback do you want to see the Steelers draft in the 2026 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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