With Aaron Rodgers back for 2025, the chances of Will Howard or Drew Allar seeing the field have gone down. However, these offseason workouts represent one of the best chances the Steelers have to evaluate their young QBs. Seeing both in action on Monday, Michael Pittman Jr. likes what he sees from each of Pittsburgh’s youngsters so far.
“Both of ’em are growing still, and I think that they’re doing a really good job. I’ve had more time to throw with Will, and I think he’s ready to step up when his name is called. And seeing Drew throw, I mean, we’ve only had a week with him. I think that he’s talented, and everything he brings, the size and the arm,” Pittman said Monday via Steelers.com. “I mean, they have a stacked-up room, for sure.”
It’s an especially important time for Howard. He had some nice moments in training camp last year, but suffered a hand injury just before the team’s first preseason game. He came close to potentially getting some time in a Week 18 game against Baltimore, but the Steelers’ loss to Cleveland the week before made the Baltimore matchup important to win.
Of all the Steelers’ QBs, Howard might need to ace these practices the most. Pittsburgh has talked him up all offseason, but Drew Allar’s presence makes things a bit more dicey. Despite both being in weak quarterback classes, Pittsburgh’s newest head coach selected Allar three rounds before the previous coach drafted Howard. It feels more likely the Steelers would move on from Mason Rudolph than Howard, though. And Howard was the second-team quarterback during practice on Monday.
Allar’s outlook involves more patience. He worked with the fourth team on Monday, a clear sign he’s not in line for any significant playing time, even if Rodgers is out. The Steelers are overhauling his mechanics, and that’s not a quick process. The traits are there, but it’s clear Allar’s going to need time to work with McCarthy.
At the end of the day, neither is going to see any meaningful time if Rodgers stays healthy. But with the veteran turning 43 years old this year, there’s no guarantee he does. There’s a solid chance Howard and Allar are the other two QBs in the Steelers room. Pittman feels confident they’ll be ready if needed.
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