The Pittsburgh Steelers have been stuck in mediocrity with their “winning seasons” dating back to the 2017 season. The Steelers have not had a losing season since 2003 and have won two Super Bowls since then. Yet they have not won a playoff game in nearly a decade.
Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s final snap, the team has not won more than 10 games in a season. They also have not been able to keep a starting quarterback for more than two seasons. They have started six different quarterbacks since the 2022 season, and none have stuck around as long-term options.
The NFL draft took place in Pittsburgh in late April. The Steelers made some great picks, but also some head-scratchers. One pick in particular that has fans split is third-round pick Drew Allar, quarterback from Penn State.
“Regardless of whether Rodgers returns or retires, Allar would serve as a high-upside addition to the quarterback room,” Jake Mozarsky of Yahoo said before the draft.
Drew Allar’s Upside
Allar only appeared in six games his senior year at Penn State due to a broken left ankle he suffered in October. The 22-year-old put up strong numbers in his sophomore and junior seasons at Penn State. He led the Big Ten with 25 passing touchdowns as a sophomore. He also did not turn the ball over much, throwing just 13 interceptions in over 1,000 passing attempts.
While the stats are appealing, his poor performances in big games are what have the fans divided.
In the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Notre Dame, Allar threw for just 135 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. This interception came with less than one minute remaining on a potential game-winning drive.
A few weeks prior to this game, Allar and the Nittany Lions faced the Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten Championship. Allar put up solid numbers, 226 yards and two touchdown passes, but also two interceptions in a game Penn State would lose 45-37.
The Steelers have struggled to win big games, and so has Allar. Beyond the playoff drought, they have dropped crucial regular-season games that would have improved their positioning. Last season, they lost to the abysmal Cleveland Browns in Week 17. A win would have clinched the AFC North without needing to beat Baltimore the following week.
For years, the Steelers have needed a quarterback just good enough to get them over this hump. The defense has been solid for the most part, and the weapons are much improved heading into 2026. If Allar can step in and be the guy, that would be amazing. But does he fit this role, or is there another quarterback on the roster who does?
Former Champion Could Take Over
Quarterback Will Howard, the Steelers’ third-string quarterback in 2025, is a gamer. He has proven to win big games in the past and looked poised while doing so. Drafted 185th overall in 2025, Howard did not play a single game as a rookie. Still, he has plenty of upside.
Howard has all the characteristics of a starting quarterback. His 6-foot-4, 236-pound frame is similar to Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds
Howard and the Raiders’ first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, posted similar numbers in college. Howard threw for 4,010 yards in his last collegiate season with the Buckeyes, which led the Big Ten, while throwing 35 touchdown passes. On the other hand, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. Both led their teams to a national championship.
Against Notre Dame on the biggest stage, Howard threw a highly efficient 231 yards and two touchdowns. He also hit Jeremiah Smith on 3rd and 11 late in the fourth quarter to seal the national title.
Head-to-head, Howard defeated Allar in that 2024 season, 20-13.
Promising Offseason Additions
The Steelers have the highest-paid defense in the NFL, headlined by T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and Jalen Ramsey. On offense, they have legitimate weapons too. The Steelers also added Rico Dowdle, who will team up with Jaylen Warren in the backfield, and Michael Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts, who will line up opposite D.K. Metcalf.
The tight end room is imposing too, with 6-foot-7 Darnell Washington and 6-foot-5 Pat Freiermuth. Pittsburgh also selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round and wide receiver Germie Bernard in the second to round out the roster.
The Steelers have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, and they could really solidify themselves as competitors in the NFL.
Allar or Howard?
Really, all the Steelers need is to figure out who will be taking snaps behind center, Zach Frazier.
Howard has the intangibles and has performed well in big moments. All he needs now is to prove this on an NFL field.
Allar, meanwhile, has been working extensively with McCarthy during the rookie minicamp, and has been “uninstalling” what he learned at Penn State. Specifically, they have been working on the fundamentals, particularly with his footwork and drop-back mechanics.
Aaron Rodgers could also return for his 22nd season. He and McCarthy famously defeated Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV. Rodgers is notorious for taking his time on big decisions, as he did not sign with Pittsburgh until early June last season.
But if Rodgers does not come back, both Allar and Howard will get their opportunities in training camp and the preseason start. It will be interesting to see how both quarterbacks play and mesh with the updated roster.
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