The Pittsburgh Steelers may not have to settle their crowded quarterback situation when the initial 53-man roster is formed. Their final answer on Mason Rudolph could remain several months away.
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Steelers' Mason Rudolph speaks to the media following a practice at training camp in 2026.
Aaron Rodgers is firmly established as Pittsburgh's starter, while Rudolph gives Mike McCarthy an experienced option capable of keeping the offense functional if Rodgers misses time. Will Howard and Drew Allar represent the future, but the Steelers are still determining how soon either young quarterback can be trusted with meaningful NFL snaps.
That has created an unusual but defensible argument for keeping all four. It would cost Pittsburgh a roster spot elsewhere, although the difference between the final player kept and the first player released is often smaller than it appears during August. While discussing the Steelers' level of interest in trading Rudolph on 93.7 The Fan Thursday, Mark Kaboly explained how Pittsburgh could postpone that decision until its younger quarterbacks provide a clearer answer.
"You can always get to a point where you keep four quarterbacks on the roster for six or seven weeks, up until the trade deadline in early November," Kaboly said. "If you feel more comfortable with Howard or Allar, maybe that brings a Mason trade into play a little bit more. But I don't think they are interested in that. I think they are interested in developing the two for later and winning now with the older guys."
The league's official calendar sets the 2026 NFL trade deadline for November 10 at 4 p.m. ET. That would give Pittsburgh more than half the regular season to evaluate Howard and Allar while monitoring Rodgers' health and the quarterback needs developing around the league. Keeping four quarterbacks is not the roster crisis it has sometimes been presented as. Every NFL team is forced to expose useful players during final cuts, and Pittsburgh should have opportunities to bring several of its developmental options back on the practice squad.
That tradeoff becomes easier to accept when the protected assets play quarterback. A reserve lineman, receiver or defensive back lost during final cuts could hurt, but those positions are generally easier to replenish during a season. Finding a young quarterback with legitimate developmental upside is far more difficult, especially for a franchise still searching for Rodgers' eventual successor.
Howard and Allar would be much more dangerous to expose. Quarterback remains too valuable, and another organization could sign either player to its active roster. Pittsburgh cannot spend years searching for a long-term answer, finally acquire two intriguing young options and then risk losing one to preserve its 53rd-best player.
Allar is particularly secure because McCarthy selected him in the 2026 NFL Draft and has already invested considerable time in rebuilding his mechanics. Howard's position is less certain, but the positive comments surrounding his development suggest the Steelers still see legitimate upside in him.
The standard Howard must reach is not complicated. He needs to prove he can command the offense, protect the football and keep Pittsburgh competitive if Rodgers is unavailable. Rudolph has already demonstrated that ability during his career. The Steelers do not yet possess the same evidence with Howard, regardless of what coaches may believe behind closed doors.
Steelers Have One Major Obstacle Blocking A Rudolph Trade
If Howard establishes himself as dependable insurance, Rudolph should become the odd man out. Even then, Pittsburgh would likely receive only a sixth or seventh-round selection, and that modest return may not outweigh the security Rudolph provides behind a quarterback who will turn 43 during the season.
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Steelers' Drew Allar during training camp with Mason Rudolph in 2026.
Kaboly's confidence that Pittsburgh is not interested in trading Rudolph makes the likely outcome increasingly clear. The Steelers may listen if another team becomes desperate, but their preference appears to be developing Howard and Allar for the future while trusting Rodgers and Rudolph to help them win now. That patience would also preserve leverage if injuries create new demand. Unless Howard forces McCarthy to reconsider, Rudolph is likely staying beyond the deadline.
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