What Drew Allar draft pick means for Steelers QB room as Aaron Rodgers question remains

The Steelers taking a swing on a young quarterback with untapped upside shouldn’t be indicative of what they believe about Rodgers, who, in all likelihood, will not play more than one more NFL season. Should Rodgers return, which has been expected, the only difference for him is that he’ll now have a talented arm behind him whom he can help mentor for a year.

If Rodgers surprisingly chooses to retire, Allar could suddenly be thrust into a starting role at some point during his rookie season, which may not be beneficial for his development. He dropped from a projected first-rounder in 2025 to a Day 2 pick this year due to inconsistency and decision-making issues at Penn State, likely needing some further coaching before hitting the gridiron as a starter.

Should Rodgers come back to Pittsburgh, though, Allar will have an all-time great to learn from in the Steelers’ 2026 quarterback room.

MORE: Why the Cardinals took Carson Beck over Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier

Is Aaron Rodgers retiring?

That’s certainly the question that’s been on the mind of every Steelers representative since the offseason began; Rodgers has remained mum on his future, leaving open the possibility that he may not return in 2026.

However, the expectation remains that Pittsburgh comes to a one-year agreement with Rodgers to play in 2026. The Steelers have been operating this offseason like a team that will have Rodgers back, including landing his former head coach in McCarthy.

How old is Aaron Rodgers?

Rodgers is 42 years old. He will turn 43 during the 2026 NFL season on Dec. 2.

Steelers QB depth chart

The Steelers' quarterback room may be the most difficult to figure out in the NFL right now.

Not only does the Rodgers decision loom over all else, with him being the projected starter despite not signing a contract yet, but Pittsburgh also has three more passers rostered already. Mason Rudolph is the other veteran available; if Rodgers retires, he would likely start in 2026, with plenty of past experience suiting up for the Steelers.

However, the Steelers are also "open to dealing" Rudolph, per Ian Rapoport.

Whether Allar or former Ohio State quarterback and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard will be higher on the depth chart remains to be seen. On talent alone, Allar may have the upper hand, but Howard has a more proven track record in college and a year of experience as a backup in Pittsburgh already.

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