What the Steelers Selection of a Former Penn State QB in the 2026 Draft Mean for Aaron Rodgers
NFL analysts and the Steelers organization expected four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers to announce his decision before the 2026 NFL Draft. Now that the draft has concluded and Pittsburgh has added 10 rookies, Rodgers still has not decided. The Steelers selected Penn State’s Drew Allar with the 76th overall pick in the third round, as he was one of four quarterbacks brought in for a pre-draft visit, and many analysts saw him as a top choice for the Steelers. While drafting, the former Penn State QB appears to lessen the likelihood of Rodgers returning, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy disagrees, stating that it does not affect the team’s pursuit of Rodgers. According to Steelers beat writer Nick Farabaugh, McCarthy answered “No, not at all” when asked if selecting Allar changes Pittsburgh’s pursuit of the 42-year-old quarterback.
Currently, the Steelers' quarterback depth chart includes Mason Rudolph, a six-year veteran; Will Howard, a young and unproven player with demonstrated potential; and newly drafted rookie, Allar from Penn State. Rudolph has not excelled or had a consistent chance as a starter, while Howard, despite his confidence, has yet to prove himself at the NFL level. With Rodgers still a free agent, he remains the best available option unless the Steelers choose to rely on their current roster, a move many believe would lead to a mediocre or worse season. The team has publicized its openness to the 42-year-old quarterback's return. Reports from Charlie Batch suggested Rodgers was seeking $30 million, but Adam Schefter recently clarified that the four-time MVP's delay is not contractual but instead related to his personal decision about retirement. Pittsburgh has supported Rodgers by trading for Michael Pittman Jr., signing Rico Dowdle, and drafting Germie Bernard, giving the veteran quarterback all the weapons needed should he decide to continue his career. For now, the decision remains in the 42-year-old's hands.
Outside of Rodgers decision, McCarthy’s decision to draft Allar with the Steelers first third-round pick seems odd given that Howard is on the roster. Howard is young, six-foot-five, and has a strong arm that led Ohio State to a National Championship in 2025. It’s unusual for teams to select quarterbacks in consecutive drafts, especially ones that are of fairly similar caliber. McCarthy, however, sees this decision as a security blanket and something that provides flexibility. The Super Bowl-winning coach stated, “I will coach the heck out of that room. I have a lot of confidence, and I have history and experience that I will give everything I can to any quarterback in that room. We want to grow the quarterback room. We don’t want to just rely on one quarterback.” McCarthy has a great history of leading quarterbacks such as Rodgers in Green Bay and Dak Prescott in Dallas. McCarthy has expressed his interest in the 42-year-old returning, giving these young guys one more year to learn under him, but whether he does or not, McCarthy is the perfect coach to mold these Steelers' young quarterbacks into future stars, whether it’s for them or another team.
