Ex-Steelers Super Bowl XL Champion QB Pushes Back on Team Developing Two Young Passers in 2026
The Steelers are still dealing with an uncertain quarterback situation. However, they’re anticipating an answer from Aaron Rodgers very soon. On Thursday, several media outlets reported that the four-time NFL MVP will be in Pittsburgh this weekend to meet with the Steelers. Fans and analysts speculate that this is a sign the 42-year-old will return to the team for the 2026 season. If Rodgers returns, the Steelers will need to decide which of their other three quarterbacks to cut. They currently have Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and third-round draft pick Drew Allar. Some fans and analysts think that the team will cut Rudolph and focus on developing Howard and Allar under their new offensive-minded head coach, Mike McCarthy.
Charlie Batch Questions Dual Quarterback Development
Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch doesn’t believe that it’s possible to develop both Howard and Allar simultaneously. During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday, Batch shared his thoughts about the Steelers’ quarterback situation. He said, “It is impossible to get two young quarterbacks ready. I rarely use impossible, but it is impossible in this particular situation. Why? Because the way that the offseason program is, it really hinders your development.” NFL teams don’t practice as much or as physically as they did in the old days.
Mike McCarthy Could Be the Key
Having McCarthy as a head coach is an advantage. He’s known for his offensive mind and ability to develop quarterbacks. The Steelers will have opportunities to develop Howard and Allar during organized team activities, training camp, and the three preseason games. OTAs will start on May 18th. Rodgers doesn’t need these offseason workouts as much because he’s a veteran quarterback with 21 seasons of experience in the NFL. As a result, both young quarterbacks have the potential for extra opportunities. It’s too soon to know for certain whether or not the coaching staff will be able to develop both at once.
Why Drew Allar May Have the Edge
If the Steelers must decide which young quarterback to focus on, Batch believes it will be Allar. He remarked, “You have to focus on which one you think gives you the best opportunity, focus that attention on them, and then anybody else gets left behind.” He added, “The third rounder gets more opportunity, because number one, he has more money invested at that particular slot that he was drafted at. Also, the organization valued him a lot more as a third-round draft pick than in the sixth.” It will be interesting to see how the quarterback situation unfolds.
