Steelers think rookie QB has similar arm strength as AFC North legend

There's a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. That was part of the reason the Steelers made a move at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding Penn State quarterback Drew Allar to a room that will feature Will Howard and Mason Rudolph as the top options unless Aaron Rodgers commits to a return.

Whether Allar ends up surprising folks and being the starter this season or not will take a while to see, but reports indicate the Steelers didn't just make the move because they wanted another body in the room – they see real potential in the former Nittany Lions gunslinger. In fact, some in the organization are even comparing him to an AFC North legend at the position.

"Pittsburgh believes Allar has similar arm talent to a young Joe Flacco," reports NFL insider Jeremy Fowler.

The big question mark right now appears to be Allar's footwork, which the Steelers believe needs further refinement. But with current head coach Mike McCarthy's track record in that area, team sources are confident Allar will progress, with one source saying McCarthy has "really got a good feel for what that takes."

If Allar can live up to the Flacco comparisons, he'll likely have a long and successful career. Flacco is a former Super Bowl MVP and Super Bowl Champion, and has been named both NFL Rookie of the Year in 2008 and Comeback Player of the Year in 2023.