The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room is going to continue to dominate headlines. That is largely because of the uncertainty surrounding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and whether he plans to return for the 2026 NFL season. Rodgers spent the 2025 season in Pittsburgh, helping lead the Steelers to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title, but the franchise’s playoff drought still remained intact after another early postseason exit.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Even with Rodgers set to turn 43 during the 2026 season, he still appears to be Pittsburgh’s most likely starting option under center if he decides to continue playing. His future remains the biggest question hanging over the organization this offseason, as the Steelers continue waiting on a final decision from the future Hall of Famer about whether he wants to return for one more run.
At the same time, Pittsburgh added another wrinkle to the quarterback situation by selecting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That move naturally sparked more questions about 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and where he fits into the Steelers’ long-term plans. Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy recently joined Mad Dog Sports Radio, where he shared his latest thoughts on Howard’s future and development in the NFL.
"Yeah, definitely. You are an offense, and we have talked about quarterbacks for 20 years. It’s all about adding the right people to the room," McCarthy said. "We know what Aaron Rodgers means to this team if he comes back. Will Howard is someone I am extremely excited about. I think our time together, while short, showed there is a lot there to work with. I definitely think he is going to be a starter in this league."
The Steelers’ quarterback room is currently made up of Mason Rudolph as the veteran backup option, along with Howard and Allar as the two young developmental quarterbacks.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to unleash a pass as he runs through a drill as the team works out during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
However, everything ultimately hinges on Rodgers and whether he decides to return for the 2026 season. His decision will likely determine how the entire room is structured moving forward.
"Mason [Rudolph] has been doing a heck of a nice job," McCarthy said. "I have always respected him from afar. It’s a really good room for Drew [Allar] to come into. He needs to come in understanding he is a rookie and that he must learn. There is a method to how we train the quarterback position. I am just trying to build the best, most competitive quarterback room that we can possibly have. I think we accomplished that when we drafted Drew."
Steelers May Be Forced Into A Youth Movement If Rodgers Doesn't Play In 2026
If Rodgers does not return for 2026, the Steelers’ quarterback situation suddenly becomes much more interesting. Pittsburgh would likely have to lean on its younger options or make another move to add an experienced starter to the room. Some would argue Rudolph could be that, but many Steelers fans wouldn't be thrilled with a full season of backup QB play.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Drew Allar walks out on stage during the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
On the other hand, if Rodgers comes back, both Howard and Allar would once again have the opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history. McCarthy has also made it clear that he is excited about what Allar brings to the group. The Steelers’ decision to draft the former PSU quarterback gives Pittsburgh another intriguing long-term option at the position while adding more competition to an already fascinating quarterback room.
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