The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation is certainly interesting heading into the 2026 season. It's no secret that general manager Omar Khan and the organization have been desperately trying to figure out the future of the position. After another long offseason filled with waiting games, Aaron Rodgers revealed he will be the Steelers' starter in 2026, but also made it clear that this will be his final season. Now, Pittsburgh must begin preparing for who will be its quarterback in 2027 and beyond.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike McCarthy coaches up rookie quarterback Drew Allar during rookie minicamp in 2026.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh's new Head Coach Mike McCarthy took a swing in the third round by selecting Drew Allar. He's viewed as a high-ceiling prospect who may or may not ever develop into the player Pittsburgh hopes he can become. McCarthy has a proven track record of developing NFL quarterbacks, but this may be his toughest challenge yet, as he is completely rebuilding many of the fundamentals Allar was taught previously and working to refine his mechanics.
Mason Rudolph is not being viewed by many as anything more than a backup, as plenty of analysts believe he has already had numerous opportunities to prove himself. That leaves 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, who was not even drafted by the current regime. Howard has inspired confidence, especially for a sixth-round pick, but he also faces a very steep climb if he hopes to become a reliable NFL starter.
Howard spent time Monday at a Bank of America charity golf event, where he told SteelerNation's Brandon Wallace that he welcomes the added competition in Pittsburgh's quarterback room.
"Yeah no, I think that is just the nature of the position and the nature of football as a whole," Howard said while speaking about the added competition in the Steelers' quarterback room heading into the 2026 season. "You are just competing every single day and trying to make yourself better. At the same time, you make yourself better, then you make those around you do better. When he's doing well that's good because that makes me want to do well and likewise. I think right now we are all just trying to get better every day and be the best versions of ourselves."
Howard's comments reflect the mindset Pittsburgh wants from its quarterbacks as the group of four prepare for training camp, which is set to start at the end of July.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Will Howard during the 2025 training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, working with coaches and teammates as he prepares for his first full NFL season.
Rather than viewing the crowded room as a negative, the young signal-caller appears to embrace the challenge and believes everyone benefits from the daily competition.
"Having a guy there in Drew and Mason and Aaron, all of us are just competing and trying to get better every single day and I would not rather be in another QB room with a better group of guys," Howard said. "This is really a special group of guys that I am blessed to go to work with every single day."
That approach could be especially important for Howard as he attempts to continue developing behind veterans while also proving he deserves a long-term opportunity in Pittsburgh. Even if the path to a starting role remains difficult, he appears focused on controlling what he can each day.
Steelers Hopeful Iron Will Sharpen Iron
The old saying is that iron sharpens iron, and that appears to be what McCarthy was going for when he added Allar to the quarterback room. Now, with a veteran leader in Rodgers for 2026 alongside Rudolph, Howard, and Allar, Pittsburgh has no shortage of competition at the position.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Will Howard throws the football during the 2026 offseason.
The hope is that both Howard and Allar emerge from those battles as better players because of it. Even if only one ultimately claims the franchise's future starting job, the daily competition should help accelerate the development of both young quarterbacks.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. Whether it’s roster moves, coaching decisions, or game-day reactions, I read and respond whenever I can. Your input helps drive the conversation and keeps the Steelers community active and engaged.
#SteelerNation