Steelers' Drew Allar Gets Strong Backing To Replace Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have everyone curious about the future of their quarterback position. For the 2026 season, Aaron Rodgers is finishing what he has emphatically said will be his final year in the NFL. Will Howard and Drew Allar remain the two young pieces who could compete for future opportunities. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has attached a strong projection to Allar's chances of starting in Week 1 of the 2027 season.

That possibility gives fans another storyline to follow while the Steelers pursue their goals with Rodgers. The veteran is responsible for leading the offense now, but his retirement plans mean the organization must also prepare for what comes next. Allar represents one potential answer already inside the building. Kaboly believes there is good reason to view him as more than a developmental name waiting in the background.

During Monday's appearance on 93.7 The Fan's Morning Show, Kaboly shared something he said he had heard about the organization's feelings toward Allar. His comments suggested considerable enthusiasm for the rookie. However, the distinction between believing in a young quarterback and officially naming him the next starter remains important.

"I even heard this weekend that the Steelers are in love with Drew Allar, so maybe that points the direction that they're heading next year regardless," Kaboly said.

The significant part of that statement is the apparent strength of the internal support Kaboly described. If the Steelers believe Allar can eventually handle the job, that could influence how they approach another offseason of quarterback decisions. It would give their planning a starting point beyond searching for someone outside the organization. That confidence would still need to be supported by continued development.

For Allar, this season offers an opportunity to learn while Rodgers handles the demands of starting. Watching an experienced quarterback prepare can provide useful lessons about protections, decision-making and responding when a defense changes its look. Those lessons do not automatically produce a successful starter. Allar still has to apply them when his own opportunities arrive.

Kaboly's projection went considerably further than simply suggesting Allar could enter the competition. He assigned a specific percentage to the possibility of the rookie opening next season as the starter. That number makes his confidence clear, although it should be understood as his assessment rather than a measured probability or a team announcement.

"At this moment, I would say that Drew Allar has an 87.9% chance of being the Steelers' starting quarterback in Week 1 of 2027," Kaboly said.

The opening words matter just as much as the percentage. Kaboly is describing how he sees the situation now, with months of evaluation and offseason decisions still ahead. An injury, a change in performance or an unexpected opportunity could alter that outlook. Nothing in the comments establishes that the Steelers have already awarded Allar the position.

Steelers Have Legit Reason To Keep Watching Allar's Development

Howard also belongs in the conversation. His presence means the Steelers have another young quarterback to evaluate, and Kaboly's preference for Allar does not eliminate Howard's opportunity to compete. The coaching staff needs to judge both players on their preparation and execution. A projection made during the season cannot substitute for that work.

Mike McCarthy's responsibility is to turn whatever promise exists into dependable quarterback play. That involves more than identifying arm talent or praising a good practice. The next starter will need to manage the offense, protect the football and respond when opponents take away his preferred options. Allar's progress in those areas should matter more than how often his name appears in offseason speculation.

For the Steelers, the best outcome would be discovering that a long-term answer is already on the roster. That would change the entire discussion. Kaboly's comments give fans a reason to consider that possibility seriously without treating it as settled. 

Allar has earned attention in this discussion, but the starting job must eventually be earned on the field. The coming months should help determine whether that belief becomes a concrete plan. This quarterback debate is only getting started.

Would you give Allar the first opportunity to replace Rodgers, or should Howard receive an equal chance? Share your Steelers thoughts with @anthonyghalkias on X, and follow for more coverage and discussion. 

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