While an eventual deal was expected, with Aaron Rodgers now set to put pen to paper with the Pittsburgh Steelers, their 2026 quarterback room can take its final shape.
The Steelers didn't pursue any real QB1 backup plans in the offseason, leaving Mason Rudolph as the likely starter if Rodgers decided to retire. But behind Rudolph, Pittsburgh has also begun thinking in the long-term with a pair of younger passers.
Both Will Howard, entering his second year, and Drew Allar, as a third-round rookie, will have chances to learn behind Rodgers in 2026.
Here's a look at contrast of ages in the Steelers' new quarterback room.
MORE: Full Aaron Rodgers contract details
Steelers QB ages
Rodgers is set to play his 22nd NFL season in 2026 as the oldest player in the league. He's 42 years old and will turn 43 on Dec. 2, 1983.
While the Steelers' 2026 starter will be the oldest player in the NFL, they'll also have two of the younger quarterbacks across the league on the roster outside of Rudolph, who is 30.
Howard is 24, entering his second NFL season after being a sixth-round pick out of Ohio State in 2025. Allar, on the other hand, is entering his rookie season at 22 years old.
MORE: Full timeline of Aaron Rodgers' relationship with Mike McCarthy
How old was each Steelers QB when Aaron Rodgers was drafted?
Rodgers was drafted to the NFL in April 2005, when he was 21 years old.
Howard, born on Sept. 24, 2001, was just four years old at the time. Allar, born on Mar. 8, 2004, was barely over 1 year old.
When Rodgers was playing first playing at Cal in 2003, Allar had not yet been born.
MORE: Inside the Steelers' quarterback depth chart
Steelers QB contracts
Rodgers' reported contract worth up to $25 million, per Adam Schefter, will also look drastically different than how Rudolph, Howard and Allar will be paid.
Here's a look at the contract details for each Steelers quarterback, via Spotrac:
Player Years Total Amount 2026 Cap Hit
Aaron Rodgers 1 $25 million $15,015,000
Mason Rudolph 2 $7.5 million $4,622,500
Will Howard 4 $4.45 million $1,067,025
Drew Allar 4 $7.1 million $885,000