ESPN: Steelers Starting Drew Allar In 2027 Is Great Possibility

The Pittsburgh Steelers were surrounded by rumors in the 2026 offseason that suggested they would attack mid-round quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft. The organization hosted multiple signal-callers for Top 30 visits throughout the draft process. This led many to believe that the team would nab one with a Day 2 or Day 3 pick. The Steelers shocked many and used their first third-round selection on Penn State University quarterback Drew Allar, who was one of the players in for a visit on the South Side. 

The Steelers chose Allar with one of their three third-round picks, a place where the pundits assumed would be used to target a quarterback. It was clear to many that the organization would take a flyer on a promising young arm, especially after hiring a known quarterback developer as a head coach. Mike McCarthy was clear about the archetype of the player he and the front office had in mind to be under center, and the organization is excited about the player it got. 

With this pick, the Steelers' quarterback room seems to be crowded. Though Aaron Rodgers has yet to announce a decision, it's believed that he will sign a contract at some poin. With that, Allar would gain some invaluable experience learning from a future Hall of Famer. 

He will face some nice competition with 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard.  Despite the competition and crowdedness, ESPN's Dan Graziano doesn't believe it's an overreaction that Allar will rise to be the starter in 2027, even with Howard's competition. 

"Allar was drafted three rounds earlier than Howard was. The Steelers seem to like Howard, but he was injured for most of his rookie year and might not be much further along in his development than Allar is. They believe in McCarthy's ability to work with and develop young quarterbacks," Graziano wrote. "Can McCarthy bring Allar along this year even as he works to coach a contender with (presumably) Rodgers as the starting QB? It's not out of the question. Knowing what we know about the Steelers' QB situation at the moment, you can't rule out the possibility of Allar starting in 2027." 

Allar has the intangibles that McCarthy likes in quarterbacks. He has a big arm, stands at 6'5", and is an accurate passer. Allar holds the best completion percentage in Nittany Lion history with a 63.2% rate. He's a raw prospect that will require a lot of development, but McCarthy was hired partly based on his track record with getting the most out of his quarterbacks, like Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers. 

Allar being the Steelers' starter in 2027 is a possibility. He'll have the tools to be set up for success, with his head coach, possibly a Hall of Fame mentor in Rodgers, and plenty of time to come to speed. Pittsburgh made it an emphasis to use the 2026 offseason to add weapons to its offense and lock them up for the next few seasons. The organization's draft class featured a historic number of offensive selections. 

Allar will have to prove himself in camp and the preseason, where Howard could give him some stiff competition. However, if Allar is able to show that he is the better quarterback, there is a world where Pittsburgh could entrust Allar in 2027. His development will determine this, but the stuff that can't be taught, like his athleticism, body type, and arm strength, is all there. 

Steelers Might Have A Tough Decision To Make In 2027

Not only do the Steelers have Allar, they need to keep an eye on for a potential starting job, but they have Howard as well. If Howard can prove he is worthy of a look as a starter, Pittsburgh will have to make a big choice. Howard has gained confidence from fans and the organization alike. If he trends in the right direction, along with Allar, there could be some healthy competition in the 2027 offseason. 

Pittsburgh has no shortage of options under center for the future. A competition could be in line, or the 2027 NFL Draft is speculated to be deeper at the position than in 2026. Either way, the Black and Gold will have some decisions to make. 

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