Steelers' Drew Allar Makes Eye-Opening Claim About His QB Room Advantage

The Pittsburgh Steelers sent a clear message to 2025 sixth-round draft pick quarterback Will Howard when they selected Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy made the Penn State quarterback their choice at No. 76 overall, a move that suggests they see Allar as the more intriguing long-term option. Draft position is not everything, but teams typically invest earlier picks in players they believe have a higher ceiling and a better chance to develop into future starters.

That reality is not especially surprising considering Allar entered the draft with a bit more buzz than Howard and was widely viewed as a more physically gifted prospect. Still, Howard has managed to build plenty of momentum among Steelers fans after joining the organization, with many believing he deserves an opportunity to compete for the starting role in 2026 if Aaron Rodgers ultimately does not sign with Pittsburgh. His confidence, leadership traits, and flashes during offseason work have only fueled that conversation.

However, Allar may already have a built-in advantage as he begins his NFL journey. While speaking with Missi Matthews of Steelers.com, the rookie revealed he has a prior connection with Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth. That familiarity could help accelerate Allar’s transition into the offense and allow him to get comfortable more quickly in meetings, film sessions, and on-field development. In a quarterback room where every detail matters, having an established relationship with a key coach is the kind of edge that can quietly make a difference early on.

"I have known Coach Arth for about five or six years now," Allar said while speaking with Matthews. "He recruited me a little bit coming out of high school when he was the head coach of Akron. That was really cool to see a familiar face when I walked into this building for my visit. Coach McCarthy's pedigree kind of speaks for itself. It's a great chance to learn under him. I feel like it will do a lot of things for me."

Of course, Howard has a similar advantage since he already spent the 2025 season inside Pittsburgh’s quarterback room. He also had the opportunity to be mentored by Rodgers for an entire year, which is the kind of experience few young quarterbacks ever get early in their careers. The lessons Howard could have absorbed from a four-time league MVP and one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history are impossible to overlook.

That is what makes Rodgers’ future with the Steelers such an interesting storyline heading into 2026. If he does return for another season, Allar would have the chance to benefit from that same level of mentorship while continuing to develop behind a future Hall of Famer. For a quarterback the Steelers clearly view as a long-term investment, that could be a major boost to his development.

Steelers' QB Room Has Given Fans A Real Reason For Optimism 

The Steelers’ quarterback room has finally given fans a legitimate reason for optimism heading into the future. With Rodgers potentially mentoring young passers like Allar and Howard, Pittsburgh suddenly has both experience and upside at the game’s most important position. The Steelers appear to be building a long-term plan rather than relying on short-term fixes, which should excite a fan base eager to see stability and sustained success under center again.

Whether Rodgers returns for the 2026 season or not, the Steelers’ future at quarterback now appears to rest with either Allar or Howard. Pittsburgh fans have plenty of reason to be excited as they watch the two young quarterbacks compete and develop, with what could become the franchise’s next long-term starter eventually emerging from the battle.

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