The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be one of the most closely watched teams of the preseason in the entirety of the NFL. The reason for that is going to be the quarterback competition taking place behind Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is the unquestioned starter, but he has already announced that he will be retiring after the 2026 season. That means the Steelers will need to find a starter for 2027, and the organization is hoping that that player is already on the roster. Mason Rudolph isn't under contract for the 2027 season, but both Drew Allar and Will Howard are.
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Steelers' Will Howard throws the ball during training camp in 2026 as Drew Allar looks on.
The Steelers did not invest a ton in either Howard or Allar, but it would be huge if either of them could develop into the franchise guy the organization has been desperate for. That is part of the reason the organization hired quarterback guru Mike McCarthy to be the team's next head coach. He has been reworking both players' mechanics since the spring, and those changes will be on full display on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers in Pittsburgh's first preseason game of 2026.
It is a little bit murky as to what the distribution of reps will be among the quarterbacks in the first preseason game, but it is fair to assume that both Howard and Allar will play a good amount. Former NFL general manager Doug Whaley joined 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday morning to discuss what the team will be looking for from either player.
"Howard, I'm looking for command of the offense," Whaley said. "The difference between precision and command is, he's actually moving the ball. Moving the offense. Taking advantage of the defense and knowing the right spots to actually put pressure on the defense. That to me is the difference between a rookie and a second-year guy. Drew Allar, be able to function in an offense. Be able to call a play. Get under center, execute the play that is called. Don't just look like a deer in headlights."
Whaley had said that Rudolph is going to have to look like a solid veteran that can operate the offense in a pristine manner, while Howard is going to have to show some command. That means moving the ball and pushing it down field while also running a clean operation. That means getting in and out of the huddle and being able to eliminate pre-snap penalties.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Drew Allar (left) and Will Howard (right) participate in throwing drills during minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The expectations for Allar are lower as he is just a rookie. Whaley wants to just see him function and not look lost -- make sure he is not scared out there. He wants him to be a leader of the offense and look somewhat comfortable. Since Howard is in his second season and competing for the top backup job, the pressure and expectations are both higher for him going into the first preseason game.
Steelers' Will Howard's Future In Pittsburgh Is Questionable
Will Howard is competing directly with Mason Rudolph for the top backup job, while the 2026 season is seen as more of a developmental and redshirt year for Drew Allar. Rodgers' spot on the roster is obviously secure, as is Allar's as he was just selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. There is a chance the Steelers will keep four quarterbacks on the active roster going into the 2026 season, but that would be unorthodox. If the organization decides to use that roster spot on another position, whoever loses the battle between Howard and Rudolph will likely be cut or traded. That would be devastating for the fans that have propped Howard up while hoping he may get a chance to start in 2027.
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