The Pittsburgh Steelers have high hopes for rookie third-round quarterback Drew Allar.
Not just an Aaron Rodgers insurance policy should the 42-year-old QB retire this year, Allar is also believed to be Pittsburgh’s future franchise quarterback by many inside the building.
But according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Allar may be more of a project than some were anticipating when he was drafted more than two weeks ago as the team is planning to basically rebuild him from the ground up.
“They’re essentially un-installing everything he’s learned [at Penn State] and they’re re-uploading their own method and fundamentals and mechanics with Drew Allar,” Pryor stated. “I watched Mike McCarthy and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, be very intentional with Allar, who’s running at about half speed, working on his footwork throughout that practice.
“And Allar said afterward they’re working on widening his base, keeping him off of his toes — and that’s something that Mike McCarthy has said is going to help him process even more and just move faster throughout as he gets acclimated to the NFL.”
Why It Matters
Though some scouts labeled Allar as the most naturally talented QB in the 2026 draft, the problem he’s faced throughout his career is not being surrounded by a coaching staff advanced enough to help him flip the switch.
Most believe Rodgers will return for at least one more season in 2026. He was rumored to be visiting the Steelers ready to sign his contract over the weekend, but it ultimately ended up not happening.
If Rodgers does decide to retire, there could be an open competition at quarterback between Allar, 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, and veteran Mason Rudolphs for the starting job.
Howard seemingly is the favorite to win the job if that were to happen, but with the Steelers’ coaching staff putting in extra work and making such a significant investment in Allar, it’s possible Howard could start the year as QB1 with Allar getting a chance to win the job as the season progresses.