The Pittsburgh Steelers have a difficult decision to make when finalizing their quarterback room. Aaron Rodgers is the unquestioned starter, but the competition behind him remains open. Unless Pittsburgh finds a way to keep four quarterbacks, the Steelers should move on from Mason Rudolph and roll with Drew Allar and Will Howard. It might be early in the preseason, but both young quarterbacks have already shown more developmental upside.
Steelers Should Move On Despite Rudolphs’ Experience
There are legitimate reasons for Pittsburgh to keep Rudolph. He has plenty of NFL experience and knows the organization and offense well. The Steelers know they can turn to him if Rodgers suffers an injury.
However, Pittsburgh also knows exactly what Rudolph brings to the table. Rudolph spent the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans. He appeared in eight games and made five starts. Tennessee went just 1-4 with Rudolph as the starter. He completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Rudolph provides a relatively safe floor, but there is little upside remaining. Everything the Steelers need to see from the veteran has already been seen.
Drew Allar Has Franchise Quarterback Potential
Drafting Allar could be a big part of why the Steelers should move on from Mason Rudolph.
Pittsburgh selected Allar in the third round with the 76th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Penn State quarterback has elite physical traits. He possesses prototype size, elite arm talent, and enough athleticism to create plays with his legs.
There are areas of Allar’s game that still need development, including his decision-making, footwork, and ability to play under pressure. Those areas should get better with NFL coaching and experience. Head coach and quarterback whisperer Mike McCarthy can help Allar build those traits while developing the rest of his game.
His upside was already visible in the preseason opener, where he accounted for three total touchdowns. If Pittsburgh can develop those areas, Allar could eventually become the franchise quarterback after Rodgers retires.
Aug 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar (16) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of a game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Will Howard Also Has Plenty of Potential
Will Howard gives Pittsburgh another intriguing young option. The Steelers selected him in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but a fractured hand caused him to spend his rookie season on injured reserve.
Howard also comes with an impressive college resume. He helped lead Ohio State to a national championship and won offensive MVP in the game.
One of Howard’s best traits is his ability to remain calm in the pocket and under pressure. He consistently showed that ability at Ohio State. Howard can also make plays with his legs, giving Pittsburgh another mobile option behind Rodgers.
The 2nd year quarterback also impressed in his first NFL preseason game Thursday vs the Packers. Although it remains early, his talent and composure give the Steelers something worth developing.
Aug 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) looks to pass the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Steelers Should Bet on Allar and Howard
If Rodgers gets injured during the season, Pittsburgh could choose the safety of Rudolph. However, giving Allar or Howard an opportunity would give the Steelers a chance to discover something greater.
The Steelers should move on from Mason Rudolph because their younger quarterbacks offer something he no longer does. They offer potential.
Allar and Howard can spend the season developing behind Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. Unless Pittsburgh keeps all four quarterbacks, betting on two young players with legitimate upside makes more sense than keeping a veteran whose ceiling is already known. It is still early, but Allar and Howard have already shown plenty of talent, and both have the potential to become much more with further development.