The Pittsburgh Steelers ended up drafting a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they did not have to overextend themselves to do it. Many around the league believe Pittsburgh got strong value when it selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with the 76th overall pick in the third round. Leading up to the draft, there had been plenty of discussion surrounding whether the Steelers would target a quarterback early or wait for the board to come to them. In the end, the organization clearly felt the third round was the right spot to make its move.
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Steelers' Drew Allar goes through drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2026.
Just a year ago, Allar was viewed by many as a potential top quarterback prospect and even labeled by some as a generational talent because of his arm strength, size, and overall upside. His stock cooled a bit after facing adversity during the 2025 college football season, which ultimately pushed him down boards and allowed Pittsburgh to capitalize. That could end up being a blessing for both sides, as Allar now lands in a situation where expectations are more manageable while still joining a franchise with long-term quarterback uncertainty.
That uncertainty is exactly what makes this situation so fascinating. The Steelers have spent months waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision, while also keeping Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in the mix before now adding Allar to the room as well. Pittsburgh suddenly has multiple quarterback storylines converging at once, creating one of the more intriguing developmental situations in the league. Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Chase Daniel even believes the Allar situation in Pittsburgh just became even more interesting as the franchise continues trying to solve its future under center.
"Nobody really knows what’s happening with Aaron Rodgers, but Drew Allar might be the most fascinating part of this entire Steelers situation," Daniel said. "The flashes are special, but the inconsistencies have been frustrating. If he develops the right way, this could get very interesting."
There is much more optimism in Pittsburgh now with new head coach Mike McCarthy at the helm. As an offensive-minded coach who has helped develop multiple successful quarterbacks throughout his career, McCarthy brings experience and credibility to the position.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Drew Allar walks out on stage during the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
He will now look to help Allar reach his full potential while also continuing to develop Howard alongside him.
"With Drew Allar specifically, he is probably one of the most frustrating evaluations I’ve had over the last two or three years doing this," Daniel said. "There will be a game where he completely wows you and makes you think he is a no-doubt first-round pick. He has a huge arm and looks like a statue in the pocket, but then you’ll watch the very next game, or sometimes even the next play, and be shocked by some of his decisions. The ceiling is absolutely there, though, and this is a Mike McCarthy draft pick. Will Howard and the other quarterbacks are not really McCarthy’s guys, so Allar is going to have a chance to win the backup job while also getting time to develop. I like his fit in Mike McCarthy’s scheme."
The Steelers clearly see upside in Allar, even if he remains a developmental project entering the NFL. Getting him in the third round gives Pittsburgh a low-risk opportunity to potentially solve its long-term quarterback question.
Steelers May Get Lucky With Drew Allar For 1 Reason
With McCarthy now overseeing the offense, Allar lands in a situation that should benefit his growth. The veteran coach has worked with talented quarterbacks before and now gets a chance to mold one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2026 draft class.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Drew Allar goes through a photoshoot with the team after being drafted in the third round in 2026.
Whether Allar eventually becomes Pittsburgh’s answer remains to be seen, but the intrigue surrounding him is undeniable. For now, the Steelers may have quietly made one of the more fascinating quarterback moves of the entire draft. Allar has great feet, and that's the one key that may just make him successful in McCarthy's offense at some point.
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