Bold prediction has Steelers giving rookie QB starting nod if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return

Heading into the 2026 NFL season, the quarterback landscape has been completely turned upside down — and one bold prediction sees the Pittsburgh Steelers adding to that trend.

According to CBS Sports' Garett Podell, the Steelers' starting quarterback will surprisingly be third-round rookie Drew Allar. But there's a catch: Aaron Rodgers doesn't return in this scenario.

"[Mike] McCarthy wouldn't have drafted Allar on Day 2 if he didn't believe in his potential," Podell wrote. "Perhaps McCarthy sees Allar as a quicker decision-maker than Rudolph or Howard. However, Rodgers gets his starting job back if he comes back to Pittsburgh. There is reason to believe Rodgers could end up with another team in 2026 since the Steelers felt like they had to place the rare right-of-first-refusal tag on him."

While the Steelers claim to be in consistent contact with Rodgers and are arguably still expecting his return in 2026, the Arizona Cardinals rumors have definitely made the situation more complicated.

Even if Rodgers doesn't return, however, it's hard to imagine the Steelers not giving Howard the starting nod, especially after a year of development under Rodgers in 2025.

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