Steelers May Have Made A Big Mistake That Hurt Will Howard And Drew Allar

The Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing to make preparations as they get ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his staff have many decisions to make, especially as they will have to cut the roster down to 53 men. Many are wondering what the new changes this regime still has in store, as fans have already seen several thus far. That includes new roster editions and training camp drills. The new look to the organization will hope to deliver playoff success to the Steel City as quarterback Aaron Rodgers reunites with his former coach.

The veteran quarterback will also be mentoring two young quarterbacks on the roster in Will Howard and Drew Allar. With both signal-callers still wet behind the ears and needing to learn the NFL ropes, this year could be extremely beneficial for their growth and development. Howard has had the luxury of a year behind the four-time NFL MVP already, but that was an injury shortened rookie season where he saw no playing time in an actual game.

One change in the new regime was recently revealed that may hold back the young quarterbacks a bit. On the most recent episode of Steelers Collective, team insider Ray Fittipaldo discussed something that is different with the coaching staff this year compared to last year. It is a slight change, but one where if the team stayed the course like they did last year, it could have benefitted the quarterback room in the long run.

“You know, looking back on the offseason, I can’t recall the circumstances of why it didn’t happen this year,” Fittipaldo said. “Maybe it’s a Mike McCarthy preference, but wouldn’t some joint practices have been good for the quarterbacks this year? For Will Howard and Drew Allar, you get those extra looks. There’s only three preseason games now. You get those extra reps against different people like they did last year against Tampa Bay. I think that would have been good for this football team.” 

One thing is true in the statement made by Fittipaldo and that is that these guys are getting looks at the same teammates day in and day out at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Seeing a different team that is most likely deploying uniquely different looks in a joint practice, could have paid big dividends for the two youngsters. However, they will not have that chance and will have to prove themselves in the preseason.

Steelers' Need To Find Franchise Quarterback Is Extremely Urgent

Taking the gamble of not practicing against another team may mean nothing when all of this is said and done. However, the quarterback position being solidified for an organization is an extremely critical key to having success in the NFL. With Rodgers mentioning that this will be his final NFL season, Pittsburgh has to hope they have reason to believe in a future for either Howard or Allar, if not both.

The other benefit the duo does have playing under an NFL MVP is that he knows how to win. While Rodgers' lone Super Bowl victory did come against the Steelers, he has had a massive amount of success throughout his storied professional career. While the team will not just be throwing either of their young signal-callers into the fire, as they will likely only see time in the preseason, sooner or later the organization is going to need to know if they fully believe in one of them possibly taking over the reins at the position.

The team does still have Mason Rudolph to turn to if needed in a few spot starts, but it is not likely he plays into their long-term plans at the position. Both Howard and Allar are expected to get their chance to start to audition in the preseason, as their head coach recently put them on notice. However, if neither show any flashes of true NFL-starter potential, the organization will be back to looking at their long-term answer in the draft next spring.

#SteelerNation