"It's about pulling for each other first and foremost. You want the team to be successful every Sunday."
— Drew Allar, on joining the Steelers
Draft Details and Player Profile
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Drew Allar from Penn State University in the 2026 NFL Draft. The selection was made with the 76th overall pick (third round) according to one source, and with the 84th overall pick according to another. The move adds a third young quarterback to a roster that likely includes veteran Aaron Rodgers, pending his decision.
Drew Allar is listed at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 228 pounds, with hands measuring nearly 10 inches. His physical attributes, including arm strength and mobility, were cited as factors in the selection. The Steelers organization has referenced the importance of quarterback performance in cold-weather AFC North conditions. Allar visited the Steelers facility on April 15, the final day for pre-draft visits, and met with quarterbacks coach Tom Arth.
Allar is described by team personnel as a developmental prospect with a high potential ceiling, rather than an immediate starter. Quarterbacks coach Tom Arth noted that Allar requires improvement in fundamentals, footwork, processing, and accuracy.
Quarterback Room and Competition
The Steelers' quarterback room currently includes:
- Will Howard: Selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 draft.
- Mason Rudolph: His status with the team is reported as uncertain.
- Aaron Rodgers: The team may sign Rodgers as the starting quarterback, though his decision has not been publicly finalized.
Quarterbacks coach Tom Arth stated that the selection of Allar does not affect Rodgers' decision-making process. If Rodgers returns, the team is expected to release either Rudolph or Howard, according to one source.
The team plans to place Allar and Howard in a competition for the backup quarterback role (QB2) and potentially the long-term starting position. Arth stated that the two quarterbacks are "ultra-competitive individuals" and that such competition "typically brings out the best in people."
Statements from Team Personnel
- Head Coach Mike McCarthy: Stated that he believed in first impressions and that Allar is a young man who "can throw the ball with the best of them."
- Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth: Confirmed that the draft selection does not impact Rodgers' decision and noted the areas for Allar's development.
- Defensive Lineman Cam Heyward: Advised fans to be patient with the process and stated that the team is comfortable with quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
Team Context
The Steelers have not identified a long-term successor to former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Head coach Mike McCarthy was hired in part for his offensive expertise and history of developing quarterbacks. The team has experienced a playoff win drought lasting approximately a decade.