The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially entering a new era of football heading into the 2026 NFL season, hiring new head coach Mike McCarthy to replace team legend Mike Tomlin.
While a new era is beginning, the Steelers would love to bring back a key piece from last season. Aaron Rodgers is set to become a free agent this offseason after playing the 2025 campaign on a one-year deal. McCarthy, who coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers, has made it clear that he would like the future Hall of Fame quarterback to return for another year.
Rodgers put together a strong 2025 season with Pittsburgh, completing 65.7 percent of his pass attempts for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He also chipped in 61 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Read more: Minnesota Vikings Star Rips Into Team Over Sam Darnold
Even at 42 years old, Rodgers has proven that he’s more than capable of being a starting NFL quarterback. Whether he will choose to return for another season with the Steelers, sign with another team, or ride off into the sunset of retirement, Pittsburgh will need to focus on having a post-Rodgers plan.
Right now, the Steelers have 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard as a potential option for the future. However, it would be wise for the franchise to look into adding another young quarterback as well.
Keeping that in mind, a surprising potential Rodgers replacement has been suggested for Pittsburgh.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes that Penn State quarterback Drew Allar could be of interest for the Steelers.
“[Drew Allar]’s a wild card in this draft. I’m sure there will be some coach who will see his size and arm strength and think they can get more out of him,” Fittipaldo said.“I’m guessing he goes in the second round, or early third round… Why not [draft him in the third or fourth round]? Keep taking QBs until you find one.”
Allar would be an interesting option for Pittsburgh if he’s available in the third round or even the fourth. He is coming off of a tough 2025 season that ended prematurely due to an injury, but the potential is there for him to play in the NFL.
Read more: Browns Linked to Surprising QB Move With Shedeur Sanders Implications
Throughout his four-year college career with the Nittany Lions, Allar completed 63.2 percent of his pass attempts for 7,402 yards, 61 touchdowns, and just 13 interceptions, while also running for 736 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Even though Allar is not a sure thing and wouldn’t be the “flashy” option for the Steelers, fans should keep an eye on him as a potential target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
For more on the Pittsburgh Steelers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.