The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike McCarthy are already thinking beyond Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers gives the franchise a clear answer at quarterback for the 2026 season, but the long-term future remains uncertain. That is why the Steelers have invested significant time and resources into evaluating young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar.
Howard lost valuable development time after missing the 2025 season because of injury, while Allar arrived with considerable expectations following his career at Penn State. The Steelers believe both players could potentially become the franchise’s next quarterback, making every preseason snap important.
Complicating the situation is veteran Mason Rudolph. Rudolph has established himself as a reliable backup and, after recent struggles from Howard and Allar during the preseason game against the Jets, his chances of keeping a roster spot appeared to increase. But McCarthy now faces a difficult question: carrying four quarterbacks into the regular season is extremely uncommon.
Will Steelers cut Will Howard and Drew Allar?
No. According to a report from Gerry Dulac, the Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to keep both Will Howard and Drew Allar on the roster for the 2026 season. A huge call.
That decision sends a clear message about how Pittsburgh views the two young quarterbacks. Despite uneven preseason performances, they still believe one of them could eventually emerge as Aaron Rodgers’ successor.
As a consequence, the Steelers are willing to remain patient, giving both players more time to develop rather than making a quick decision based solely on preseason results.
Will Steelers trade Mason Rudolph?
That is now the biggest question facing the Steelers. If Will Howard and Drew Allar remain on the roster, three quarterback spots are already accounted for: Rodgers as QB1 and the two young passers as developmental options.
Rudolph appears to be Mike McCarthy’s preferred backup, but carrying four quarterbacks into the regular season would be highly unusual. That makes Rudolph the player to watch as the Steelers approach the roster deadline.
Pittsburgh must now decide whether Rudolph’s experience is too valuable to lose, or whether keeping both Howard and Allar is more important for the franchise’s future. The answer could shape the Steelers’ quarterback room not only for 2026, but for years to come.
