Steelers' Mike McCarthy Gets Honest About Will Howard And Drew Allar

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2026 season with a quarterback room unlike anything the organization has had in years. Aaron Rodgers is preparing for what is expected to be his final NFL season, Mason Rudolph gives Pittsburgh an established backup, and Mike McCarthy has two young quarterbacks waiting for opportunities behind them.

Will Howard and Drew Allar arrived in Pittsburgh under completely different circumstances. Howard was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the former regime led by Mike Tomlin. Allar was then selected by McCarthy and the Steelers with the 76th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

That naturally created questions about whether Allar would immediately receive an advantage. McCarthy helped handpick Allar, while Howard was inherited from the previous coaching staff. However, everything McCarthy has said publicly suggests he is interested in developing both quarterbacks instead of prematurely choosing one to be he future.

That approach makes sense for an organization still searching for its future face at the position. During an appearance on Steelers Training Camp on SiriusXM NFL Radio, McCarthy made it clear that he believes Howard and Allar both deserve legitimate opportunities.

"Can’t say enough about the two young guys," McCarthy said. "I think both of these guys have very bright futures. We have to give them all the possible opportunities that we can. It’s an extremely healthy quarterback room."

Those opportunities will become incredibly valuable throughout the preseason. Rodgers does not need many exhibition snaps, and Rudolph is already an established NFL backup quarterback. Pittsburgh should use that time to determine exactly what it has in Howard and Allar.

Howard entered training camp with more experience in the organization, but he is learning another new offense under McCarthy. Allar may have been selected much earlier, but he is also a rookie attempting to translate his impressive physical ability into consistent NFL quarterback play.

Neither player should be judged solely by where he was drafted. Howard being a sixth-round selection does not prevent him from developing into something more, just as Allar being selected in the third round does not guarantee that he will eventually become Pittsburgh’s starter.

The Steelers need to let the competition breathe. Quarterback reps are limited, especially with four players in the room, but McCarthy’s comments suggest the coaching staff understands the importance of creating opportunities for both young passers.

Steelers Have No Reason To Rush Their Decision

The best part about Pittsburgh’s current situation is that McCarthy does not need to declare a winner immediately. Rodgers gives the Steelers one final opportunity to chase meaningful success in 2026, while Rudolph provides insurance behind him. That allows Howard and Allar to develop without being thrown into action before either player is ready.

McCarthy has also spent decades working with quarterbacks. His ability to teach the position was one of the biggest reasons Pittsburgh hired him. If there is a coach capable of identifying which traits can be developed and which problems cannot be fixed, the Steelers believe McCarthy is that person.

This competition should not be viewed as Howard against Allar in a situation where one must immediately lose. Pittsburgh can continue developing both players and allow their performances to dictate what happens next. The organization needs answers eventually, but forcing one before enough evidence exists would accomplish nothing.

Steeler Nation should be excited about getting extended looks at both quarterbacks during the preseason. Howard will have an opportunity to prove that his draft position does not define his ceiling. Allar will get the chance to show why McCarthy believed his physical tools were worth a third-round investment.

McCarthy calling the quarterback room 'extremely healthy' is encouraging. There is experience at the top, stability behind Rodgers and two young players with something to prove. That does not guarantee Pittsburgh has found its future starter, but it gives the organization multiple chances to uncover one.

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