Steelers offer glimpse at quarterback plan ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Yahoo Sports3h ago16 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to keep three quarterbacks on their roster for the 2026 season, with the possibility of adding a fourth to the practice squad, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.

Key points

Steelers plan to keep three quarterbacks for 2026 season
Possibility of adding a fourth quarterback to practice squad
Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasizes the importance of a strong quarterback room
Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are key quarterbacks mentioned

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Mike McCarthy

Pittsburgh SteelersMason RudolphWill Howard

Steelers offer glimpse at quarterback plan ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare their roster for the 2026 season, new head coach Mike McCarthy has revealed a key part of the plan for the team's quarterback room before the NFL Draft.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, McCarthy shared that the Steelers will opt to keep three quarterbacks on the roster, four if they can manage to add one via the practice squad.

"It's the quarterback room," McCarthy said. "I really enjoy working with Mason [Rudolph] and Will [Howard]. So, however it shakes out. I believe in having three [quarterbacks]. I've had two quarterbacks just a few times in my life, but it was Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. That's a luxury to be in that spot. I believe in having three. Potentially, we'd love to have four if we can make one work for the practice squad."

Sep 13, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Beau Pribula (9) is sacked by Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns linebacker Jaden Dugger (3) during the first half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images