4 Steelers Players Now In Danger Of Being The Last Man Released

The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent the offseason building impressive depth across their roster, but that success could create several painful decisions when the initial 53-man roster is finalized.

Pittsburgh's unusual quarterback situation sits at the center of the problem. Aaron Rodgers is the unquestioned starter, Mason Rudolph has reportedly performed too well to surrender QB2 easily, and young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar remain valuable developmental pieces.

Keeping all four quarterbacks would protect Pittsburgh at the sport's most important position, but it would also eliminate a roster spot elsewhere. Steelers reporter Mike DeFabo identified four players, while appearing on The Yinziders, who could find themselves in danger because of that numbers crunch.

"At some point, they're going to have to make a decision," DeFabo said. "Do you cut your seventh-round pick, Robert Spears-Jennings, then? Do you cut Robert Tonyan and put him on the practice squad? Do you cut Gabriel Rubio? Do you cut Ryan McCollum? That's the tough thing about this."

All four players offer something Pittsburgh would prefer to retain. Robert Spears-Jennings and Gabriel Rubio are rookies who have generated excitement during their first NFL offseason. Ryan McCollum provides experience and depth at center, while Robert Tonyan gives the offense another proven tight end.

However, keeping four quarterbacks is more important to the Steelers' 2026 outlook than worrying about whether another organization might pursue one of those players after roster cuts. Rodgers will turn 43 during the season, making experienced insurance behind him essential. Rudolph has repeatedly demonstrated that he can enter games and manage an NFL offense. Howard and Allar, meanwhile, represent two possible answers for Pittsburgh's future beyond Rodgers.

Exposing either young quarterback would represent a far greater risk than potentially losing a depth player at another position. Quarterbacks with developmental upside are difficult to find, and Pittsburgh should not surrender one merely to retain an extra reserve elsewhere.

"I love everybody assuming Robert Tonyan has to make the team, and then you also have to keep four quarterbacks," DeFabo said. "They rattle off all these names, and you're like, 'Where are these numbers coming from?'"

Steelers Have One Player Who Creates Greater Concern

Tonyan is the most difficult non-QB player to expose during roster reductions. He caught 11 touchdown passes from Rodgers during the 2020 season with the Green Bay Packers and already understands what Pittsburgh's starting quarterback expects from his tight ends. The veteran has also reportedly enjoyed a solid offseason. His familiarity with Rodgers gives him immediate value that extends beyond his production. Pittsburgh should attempt to find a way to keep him on the active roster.

The other three players are easier risks to accept. Pittsburgh has enough versatility along its offensive line to survive without McCollum because multiple players can handle center responsibilities in an emergency. Rubio and Spears-Jennings have generated legitimate excitement, but neither is expected to play a major role immediately. The possibility of losing either player exists, although teams are unlikely to knock down Pittsburgh's door for developmental prospects who remain near the bottom of the depth chart.

The Steelers could attempt to bring any released player back through the practice squad, although doing so provides no guarantee. Younger players must clear waivers, while an experienced veteran such as Tonyan could choose another opportunity before returning. Pittsburgh cannot keep every player who performed well throughout the offseason. That is the uncomfortable reality of constructing a deep roster.

If the final decision comes down to protecting four quarterbacks or retaining an additional depth player, the Steelers should prioritize the quarterbacks. Tonyan creates the only serious hesitation, but Pittsburgh should be able to construct its final roster in a way that keeps him involved. The four-quarterback plan will make the bottom of the roster more painful. It is still the correct risk for Pittsburgh to take in 2026.

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