Steelers QB Saga

Who will take the first week 1 snap for the Steelers? The looming arrival or departure of Aaron Rodgers continues to bring uncertinity to the Steelers QB room this offseason. The 42-year old verteran still has UFA tender to his name, but reports have mentioned that Rodgers would still be interested in inking a deal to be the Steelers QB1 this season. If Rodgers returns, there is zero question that he would be the week 1 starter. Mike McCarthy already has constructed an offense with Rodgers in mind. 

While Rodgers decides his future, the Steelers have positioned two youthful QBs to fight for the starting job. Will Howard's rookie season was mainly sidelined due to hand injury that take away valuable reps. He is still positioned to be QB2 with the opportunity to be QB1 if Rodgers decides to step away. The Steelers did make a nice splash in the 2026 NFL Draft by taking the Penn State standout, Drew Allar. There is no concern with the elite physical attributes that Allar provides, but his fundamental mechanics are a long way from being what the Steelers need this season. He will most likely sit at the QB3 position in hopes of making a leap in 2027. 

There still exists an odd man out and that is reserved for Mason Rudolph. Despite being a steady veteran in the past. The Steelers are aiming to mature their young QBs into future options that could provide further success at the QB position, something that the Steelers have been looking for since Big Ben. 

It's a "win-now" bridge with a heavy investement in "win-later". If Rodgers doesn't resign the keys to the Steeler kingdom will most likley be handed to Will Howard with a "see what we have season" looming in the Steelers direction.