Steelers Watch As Rookie QB Drew Allar Learns Critical Lesson From Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers fans were initially intrigued by the idea of former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar landing in Pittsburgh early in his college career. Allar carried significant hype well into his 2024 season, with many projecting him as a potential generational franchise quarterback. At one point, he was widely viewed as a possible top-10 pick. However, after a series of uneven performances on college football’s biggest stages, evaluators began to reassess his draft stock. The momentum that once surrounded him quickly faded. His final college season took another difficult turn when he went down with a season-ending broken left ankle against Northwestern. 

Allar underwent successful surgery and eventually returned to workouts after a full recovery. Still, the injury combined with inconsistent moments on the field ultimately contributed to his slide into the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That is where Head Coach Mike McCarthy felt comfortable taking a chance on the developmental quarterback, selecting him 76th overall. 

Now in Pittsburgh, Allar joins a quarterback room led by Aaron Rodgers in what is expected to be the veteran’s final season. He is also competing alongside veteran backup Mason Rudolph, and second-year quarterback Will Howard. Under McCarthy’s guidance and while learning from Rodgers, Allar will compete with Howard for a chance to eventually emerge as the future face of the franchise. There is curiosity around whether he can refine his game and develop into a steady NFL starter. He clearly has the physical tools, but questions remain about his mental growth and ability to avoid the mistakes that derailed parts of his college career.

McCarthy is taking a calculated risk by drafting him in the third round. If it works out, it could be a major win. If not, the investment is limited. Either way, the Steelers are hoping to create a competitive environment where iron sharpens iron between Howard and Allar, with one potentially emerging as the long-term starter. On Friday, a video surfaced from 93.7 The Fan’s Jack Hillgrove showing a notable moment between Allar and Rodgers, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.

It is not guaranteed that Rodgers will mentor any of the Steelers quarterbacks, and that context makes the situation even more interesting. After all, the way his departure from Green Bay played out painted him, fairly or not, as someone who was not interested in that kind of role. His predecessor, Brett Favre, also made it clear during his own transition that mentoring was not part of his job description, which only added to that narrative.

Steelers' Rodgers Continues To Speak Life Into Young QBs

That is why it stands out to see Rodgers, who owes nothing to Pittsburgh beyond the 2026 season, seemingly showing a willingness to invest in the team’s young quarterbacks. Instead of keeping things strictly transactional, there appears to be a focus on helping develop players like Allar and Howard.

When Rodgers arrived for the 2025 season, he made it clear that his goal included helping Howard as much as possible, and Howard took full advantage of that opportunity by leaning on the veteran’s experience. Now in 2026, that dynamic will continue, with Rodgers again serving as a resource. But he is not the only one who could benefit. The rookie QB, Allar, stands to gain valuable insight from one of the most accomplished passers of his era.

This teaching moment between a four-time league MVP and a developmental quarterback could end up being one of those NFL interactions fans look back on years later, whether it ultimately shapes a career or simply serves as a memorable snapshot in time.

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