Steelers 2018 Third-Round QB Has Become the Odd Man Out in 2026 QB Room

The Pittsburgh Steelers began their 2026 spring OTAs on Monday, May 18th, 2026, kicking off a four-week session of on-field workouts and chemistry-building. Obviously, a top story coming out of the Steelers' first week of team activities is the return of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Aaron Rodgers, cementing his place as the black and gold’s starting passer in 2026. Behind him sit second-year quarterback Will Howard, rookie Drew Allar, and six-year veteran Mason Rudolph. As OTAs continue and then transition into mandatory minicamp, the Steelers will have to decide which quarterback to cut between Howard and Rudolph. Although it’s only been one week, and Rudolph has history in Pittsburgh as he spent his first five years in the Steel City, he is already emerging as the likely cut candidate. The Steelers, especially head coach Mike McCarthy, have shown serious interest in the youngsters Howard and Allar, likely leading to a slow, quiet departure for the 30-year-old backup.

Rudolph has already come out to say that his practice reps have been limited since the drafting of Allar and the return of Rodgers. He said, “That’s kind of been communicated. Two young quarterbacks were the case when I got in. That’s a normal mode of operation.” It’s practically impossible to give four quarterbacks equal snaps in practice, and McCarthy likely doesn’t want to do that. The Steelers' new head coach also spoke on this, saying, “Mason has a lot of experience. We’re trying to accomplish a threshold with Aaron, and I’m trying to develop Will and Drew the best we can.” Howard, a former National Champion, and Allar, a former five-star recruit, have both yet to see preseason action. They need the time, focus, and expertise of someone like McCarthy, who has shown his ability to mold quarterbacks. Rudolph, however, is learning Pittsburgh’s new offense at the same pace as the three other quarterbacks, but with fewer reps and opportunities, he’s likely to fall behind. The Steelers have to balance preparing the team for 2026, Rodger’s last season, while also setting the team up for future success.

The quarterback situation will likely be ongoing up until the start of preseason, or perhaps afterward. Rodgers has solidified himself as the starting quarterback simply by signing a new deal with Pittsburgh, and Allar will fall into the third quarterback position because he joins the Steelers as a rookie, keeping his spot on the roster safe. The battle between Howard and Rudolph is one that will likely come down to the second-year quarterback’s play. If Howard is able to build on the end of his 2025 campaign and increase his preparation for becoming a starter, he’ll earn the backup quarterback position, as Rudolph will be cut. If Howard declines or shows signs of struggle, the Steelers will likely roll with the veteran as their backup. McCarthy has belief in all four of his guys, as he said, “We’ve definitely got four that we love, I can say that. We’re hoping that general manager Omar Khan can expand the roster to 55, and that we can keep four. This is a good place to be, having four guys that can play.” It won’t be easy for the Steelers or McCarthy to do, but a decision will eventually have to be made over which quarterback is no longer a Steeler, and it seems as if Rudolph is the most likely choice.