Steelers Draft QB Drew Allar: What It Means for Aaron Rodgers' Future

The Pittsburgh Steelers have added another quarterback to their roster amid uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future with the team. With the 76th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected former Penn State signal-caller Drew Allar.

As Steelers fans await Rodgers’ decision on whether he will return for a second stint in Pittsburgh, the selection of Allar has sparked speculation about the veteran quarterback’s status. Tom Arth, the team’s quarterbacks coach, addressed the move on Friday, speaking to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

"I don't believe that has any impact on Aaron," Arth said. "Certainly, we're here for Drew and excited about his moment and excited to have him in this room."

On Wednesday, before the draft began, Steelers defensive lineman and team leader Cam Heyward offered perspective for fans concerned about the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh.

"Patience with the process," Heyward said. "The team is still growing and right now we have two quarterbacks that we feel really comfortable with in Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, hopefully add another guy to the mix. But just stay patient. No team was built on Day 1 of the draft."

Allar’s selection on Day 2 of the draft introduces new dynamics. If Rodgers ultimately returns, the Steelers would likely release either Rudolph or Howard to accommodate him. The move also raises questions about new head coach Mike McCarthy’s confidence in Howard, a sixth-round pick from the 2023 draft. If McCarthy favored Howard, the team might have prioritized another position at pick No. 76, delaying quarterback selection until later in the draft or through free agency.

The decision to draft Allar suggests the Steelers may be preparing for a scenario in which Rodgers does not return. The situation has evolved significantly from just a week ago, when expectations were that Rodgers would announce his plans before the draft—possibly even by showing up in Pittsburgh to rally fans with a Terrible Towel.