The Pittsburgh Steelers have seen a revolving door of quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired. General Manager Omar Khan has yet to truly identify the next long-term answer at the most important position in football, even as the rest of the roster continues to take shape with strong foundational pieces across all three phases of the game. The lingering question remains the future of the quarterback position.
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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.
Obviously, during the 2025 season, the Steelers leaned on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and now he is back for one final ride in 2026. It has been a revolving door at QB, but at least the 2026 season brings continuity with Rodgers returning for what is expected to be his final NFL campaign. Behind him sits veteran backup Mason Rudolph, though he does not appear to be viewed as a long-term starting option for 2027 and beyond.
Younger names like Will Howard and Drew Allar represent intriguing developmental options because of their upside, but the idea of either stepping in as the face of the franchise still feels like a reach. At least for the time being. Still, Steelers fans would certainly welcome that outcome if it were to develop. The buzz around quarterback prospect Brendan Sorsby is also something Steelers fans have been monitoring closely. While it remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh would pursue him in a Supplemental Draft scenario, that possibility does not currently seem likely.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently noted on the Steelers Collective podcast Tuesday night that he actually disagrees with the prevailing sentiment among some fans regarding the team’s quarterback outlook for 2027.
"My read on things is I think Steelers fans think it’s going to be Will Howard, a draft pick or Allar, but I am with you," Fittipaldo said. "I think it will be someone. There’s a much higher percentage that it will be somebody who has been around for a while."
Steelers fans have been hopeful that the veteran quarterback stopgap eventually comes to an end and that the franchise can finally identify its long-term answer at the position. However, the situation with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could end up influencing that timeline for Pittsburgh.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy looks out toward the media during his opening press conference on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, which was held at Acrisure Stadium.
Depending on how things unfold in Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield could potentially reach the open market after the 2026 season. If that happens, many around the league believe he could become an intriguing option for the Steelers, with some viewing him as a strong fit for Pittsburgh’s system and overall roster direction under Mike McCarthy.
Steelers' McCarthy Eager To See What He Has In Howard And Allar
It has been clear that McCarthy is excited about Howard. However, no one truly knows if that is just him trying to breathe some life into the sixth-round draft pick from the 2025 NFL Draft that he himself did not select. McCarthy went as far as to state he would have drafted Howard much earlier if he had been in charge of the 2025 draft. He selected Allar in the third round and is eager to see what he has in him. Right now, he is spending time breaking him down and then rebuilding him with new mechanics.
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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.
Fittipaldo does not believe that Howard, Allar, or even a 2027 rookie draft pick is the direction Pittsburgh goes after the 2026 season. A veteran would be interesting, frustrating, and telling all at the same time for this fan base.
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