Steelers 'likely' plan with Drew Allar in rookie season revealed by ESPN insider

The Pittsburgh Steelers have Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season, in what's set to be the last of a Hall of Fame NFL career.

But after him on the depth chart are three other quarterbacks. Mason Rudolph is the backup, while Will Howard and Drew Allar are the developmental quarterback projects.

With four QBs on the roster, it's fair to wonder what the plan is for Allar in his rookie season. Well, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano , their most likely plan is not a good one for Allar to see the field in 2026.

Steelers likely to make Drew Allar decision that some fans might not like

"But Allar feels less likely to play this season than Beck or Klubbnik," Graziano writes. "... we can't rule out Allar starting in a tryout-type role if Pittsburgh's season collapses, but it usually does not."

The Steelers are going to be starting Rodgers all season in 2026, as they're likely going to be good enough to contend for the playoffs.

In his last year, the Steelers are not likely to bench Rodgers. So, it would likely take an injury to Rodgers or some extreme circumstances to force a QB change.

One of those extreme outcomes could come in the form of the Steelers either securing a playoff spot before Week 18 and deciding to rest Rodgers for the first round of the playoffs.

Allar then could get a chance to start. However, with Rudolph and Howard also potential options to start for the Steelers, Allar's odds of being a starter this year aren't great.

The former Penn State quarterback is more likely to sit on the bench all season, learn from Rodgers, and go into 2027 training camp and preseason with a real chance to win the QB1 job.

Whether it's competing solely against Howard, or with a new rookie quarterback, free agent pickup, or trade addition, the Steelers' QB competition next summer is going to be one to watch.

But, at least for the 2026 NFL season, and Allar's rookie year, it's likely that the Steelers won't send out the Penn State rookie at any point this season.