The Pittsburgh Steelers have been working throughout the offseason program to improve as a team, and for this last stretch of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Head Coach Mike McCarthy has made it clear that he would prefer to focus on the younger guys on the roster. This is important for the development of certain players, especially those that are first- and second-year professionals. A big focus during this final stretch of OTAs is going to be the two young quarterbacks on the roster, Will Howard and Drew Allar. They should each have a chance to be the starter in 2027, but a lot can change before then.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers rookie quarterback Drew Allar makes a throw in rookie minicamp with Head Coach Mike McCarthy looking on.
McCarthy is known for his ability to work with and develop quarterbacks. He is considered by many as a "quarterback guru," and he has worked with some extremely notable names throughout his career. This includes Aaron Rodgers back when the duo was with the Green Bay Packers. The head coach is going to be focused on Howard and Allar over these next few practices however, as Rodgers is not attending the final stretch of OTAs.
The coach spoke to the media on Tuesday, and he talked about his current quarterback situation, focusing primarily on Howard and Allar.
"This has been a fun week," McCarthy said. "Got to spend a little more extra time with the two young guys, watching the drills. Tom's [Arth] done a really good job of putting together some excellent cutups to show back to Phase 2 when we were first able to get out here and go through the first initial footwork training, and then watch Drew come into it a little later. Just to see the work really that they've been on tape, it was impressive, just as far as the improvements go."
The head coach has been straight forward about what he has been doing with the two younger quarterbacks. He has rebuilt a lot of their mechanics, particularly when it comes to their footwork. This is an area that he has seen improvements, which is a promising sign for fans to take note of.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers runs on the field during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2026.
Rodgers has already made it known that he will be retiring after the 2026 season, which means the starting job for the 2027 season is up in the air. It is unlikely that Howard or Allar get much playing time, if any at all, in 2026. The coaching staff will have to see how both quarterbacks develop throughout the year, and then it can be determined if either has any real chance of being a starter that can win football games.
The Steelers have put themselves in a weird spot for 2027. The coaching staff has been high on Howard, and the organization then went and drafted Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The quarterback class is expected to be loaded in 2027, and a first-round quarterback should be on the table for Pittsburgh. That would make for an interesting quarterback room, and probably an interesting quarterback battle.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Owner Art Rooney II on the field at a team practice while having a discussion.
Steelers Can Also Turn To Veteran Free Agents In 2027
The fan base in Pittsburgh would probably like to see Howard or Allar become the team's next franchise quarterback, but there is a chance the Steelers could go after some free agent passers in 2027. Baker Mayfield leads the way in the free agency class, and behind him, there is some interesting names to consider. Davis Mills is a player that could come in and compete with the younger guys without immediately taking over the starting job, and the same could probably be said about Mac Jones or Drew Lock.
What do you think about McCarthy's comments on his two young quarterbacks? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
#SteelerNation