James Harrison and Bryant McFadden, former Pittsburgh Steelers players, have voiced concerns over the team's quarterback situation if Aaron Rodgers returns. Harrison argues Mason Rudolph should be cut, while McFadden sees the draft pick of Drew Allar as raising more questions. Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly predicts Allar as the 2027 starter.
The Pittsburgh Steelers face ongoing uncertainty at quarterback following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. The team currently holds three quarterbacks: veterans Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, plus rookies Will Howard (sixth-round pick in 2025) and Drew Allar (third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft). Rodgers, 42, played some moments last season but missed time due to a wrist injury, and his return remains unclear as of May 4, 2026, ahead of the upcoming rookie minicamp at week's end. Reports indicate the Steelers are open to trading Rudolph, a third-round pick from 2018 who helped reach the playoffs in 2023 during a prior stint with the team after a year with the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Mike McCarthy has praised both Howard and Allar, stating he remains 'extremely excited' about Howard after offseason practices and noting a preference for three or possibly four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. On his Deebo and Joe podcast, Hall of Famer James Harrison insisted the Steelers have 'nothing' in Rudolph. 'If Aaron comes back, or when Aaron comes back... Mason’s gone. Because you’re gonna keep your two young guys,' Harrison said, emphasizing Rudolph's eight years without sufficient development. Bryant McFadden, speaking on CBS Sports HQ, called the third-round selection of Allar—handpicked by McCarthy despite his 2025 Penn State injury and uneven play—'more questions than answers.' He anticipates Howard or Rudolph as the 2026 Week 1 starter if Rodgers retires, not the inexperienced Allar. Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly predicted on X that Allar, not Howard, will be the 2027 Week 1 starter due to his higher draft pedigree, tangibles, and McCarthy's influence, even if another quarterback is taken in next year's strong draft class.
