Steelers Make Major Decision on Drew Allar-Will Howard QB Competition: Report

The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with a crucial decision for their quarterback position heading into the offseason. The team is aware that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will retire after the 2026 season, which has left them wondering if they possess Rodgers’ long-term successor within their roster. The front office is currently in the midst of a quarterback competition between rookie third-round draft pick Drew Allar and sixth-rounder from 2025, Will Howard.

Both players possess the necessary skills to potentially become the team’s starter in 2027. Allar demonstrated his talent in the preseason debut two weeks ago, throwing for 153 yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown in just 10 completions out of 13 attempts. However, his second outing did not quite live up to expectations, as he threw for only 110 yards in 11 completions on 23 attempts.

On the other hand, Howard has not made a significant impact either. In two games, he has managed to complete 17 of 24 passes for 160 yards, but has also thrown two interceptions. Preseason performances alone might suggest that Drew Allar has the upper hand, but Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insists that the outcome of the competition doesn’t really matter.

According to Dulac, both quarterbacks — alongside veteran backup Mason Rudolph — will be part of the team's 53-man roster once training camp begins. The Steelers coach, Mike McCarthy, does not need to see another preseason game to make up his mind. "Will Howard and Drew Allar will be on the team," Dulac reported. "That decision was reached even before Friday night’s 17-0 preseason loss against the New York Jets.

The Steelers knew this before Friday night’s preseason game, despite both Howard and Allar failing to showcase their best form. Regardless, Rudolph remains the only experienced backup on the team, with a 9-9-1 record as a starter over six seasons. However, the Steelers are well aware that he is not their future starter. Both Allar and Howard are expected to compete with a 2027 draft pick for the starting position that Rodgers will vacate at the end of the season.