McCarthy Loves His QBs
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published June 2, 2026, 3:19 AM
QUARTERBACK LABORATORY
Five Quick Hits
- Aaron Rodgers brings four MVPs and two decades of NFL experience.
- Mason Rudolph provides stability and firsthand knowledge of Pittsburgh.
- Will Howard enters his second NFL season eager to develop.
- Drew Allar arrives as one of the organization’s most intriguing young quarterbacks.
- McCarthy’s biggest challenge isn’t talent it’s finding enough practice reps.
One of the more fascinating storylines unfolding during Steelers OTAs isn’t necessarily who will start under center. It’s how Mike McCarthy is managing one of the most unique quarterback rooms in football.
Veteran superstar Aaron Rodgers headlines the group. Mason Rudolph brings years of experience and familiarity with the franchise. Behind them are two young quarterbacks, Will Howard and Drew Allar, each attempting to absorb as much knowledge as possible before their opportunities arrive.
For McCarthy, having four quarterbacks creates opportunities that many coaching staffs never experience.
“Having four quarterbacks, there’s obviously a lot of benefits to it. I think anytime you can establish the room, you know, the value in our room,” McCarthy explained.
That value extends beyond arm strength, statistics, or depth chart positioning. It revolves around creating an environment where information is constantly exchanged and younger players can accelerate their development.
The Steelers aren’t simply developing quarterbacks. They’re building a classroom. Every meeting, practice rep, and film session becomes another opportunity for the younger passers to learn from players who have already navigated the challenges of the NFL.
The result is a room filled with different perspectives, different experiences, and different stages of development all working toward the same goal.
THE AARON RODGERS EFFECT
Five Quick Hits
- Rodgers enters his 22nd NFL season.
- Four-time NFL MVP.
- Super Bowl champion.
- One of the most accomplished quarterbacks in league history.
- His impact extends far beyond the field.
Aaron Rodgers’ influence on the Steelers may ultimately be measured by much more than touchdowns and victories.
While fans naturally focus on what Rodgers can still do between the white lines, McCarthy sees another layer of value that could have lasting effects on the franchise’s younger quarterbacks.
“You know, obviously with Aaron Rodgers, you know, the experience,” McCarthyt said. “And just what he brings to the table, and I’m not just talking about playing between the white lines, but his experience and what he can add to a conversation in the quarterback room has been extremely valuable for our younger players.”
Those conversations matter because his knowledge is an extension of McCarthy’s vision for the offense.
Rodgers is Teacher on the Field
Rodgers has experienced nearly every situation imaginable during his NFL career. He’s dealt with playoff runs, championship expectations, adversity, criticism, injuries, and the pressure that comes with being the face of a franchise.
For Howard and Allar, those lessons can’t be found in a playbook.
The value comes from hearing how an elite quarterback processes information. How he studies opponents. How he communicates with receivers. How he handles success and failure.
It’s an educational experience that few young quarterbacks receive.
McCarthy has coached some of the game’s best signal callers during his career. He understands the importance of exposing young players to greatness. Rodgers’ presence provides exactly that opportunity.
HOWARD AND ALLAR SOAKING IT UP
Five Quick Hits
- Howard and Allar are the youngest quarterbacks in the room.
- Both are learning behind two experienced veterans.
- Classroom development is occurring daily.
- Practice reps remain critical.
- McCarthy believes both have embraced the process.
The biggest beneficiaries of Pittsburgh’s quarterback setup may ultimately be Will Howard and Drew Allar.
McCarthy sees two young players who understand their current role and are maximizing every opportunity to learn.
“So, in Will and Drew, just soaking it up, frankly. I mean, they’re just soaking it up,” McCarthy stated before OTA practice on Tuesday. “And they’ve done a really good job in that aspect of it too.”
For young quarterbacks, development isn’t always measured by preseason statistics or highlight throws.
Sometimes progress happens in meeting rooms.
Sometimes it happens while watching how Rodgers breaks down film.
Sometimes it comes from listening to Rudolph explain how he handles preparation during an NFL week.
Howard enters a pivotal stage of his development after gaining valuable exposure to professional football. Allar arrives with tremendous expectations after a highly successful college career.
Neither player needs to carry the offense today.
Instead, both can focus on learning the finer details of the position while absorbing information from two veteran quarterbacks and a coaching staff led by McCarthy.
It’s a luxury many young quarterbacks around the league never receive.
THE REP BALANCING ACT
Five Quick Hits
- Development requires live repetitions.
- Veteran quarterbacks still need work.
- Young quarterbacks need meaningful opportunities.
- McCarthy is actively creating situations for growth.
- Finding reps remains the biggest challenge.
For all the benefits that come with having four quarterbacks, McCarthy admits there is one unavoidable challenge.
Finding enough reps.
“The challenge is, frankly, is trying to find reps for these guys,” McCarthy said.
Every practice contains only so many opportunities. Every drill has limited snaps. Every quarterback needs work.
McCarthy provided a perfect example from practice.
“Like for instance, today we have three two-minute drills in this seven-on-seven, where we let Mason and the two young guys take it, so just trying to balance that out.”
That balancing act may ultimately become one of the most important developmental stories of the 2026 season.
Rodgers remains the veteran leader and expected starter. Rudolph needs work to stay sharp. Howard and Allar require meaningful repetitions to continue their growth.
The coaching staff’s task is ensuring everyone benefits.
Fortunately for Pittsburgh, that’s a challenge McCarthy seems to welcome.
“But I’m really enjoying that. Four quarterbacks.”
For now, the Steelers have assembled something a rare quarterback room that combines elite experience, proven professionalism, developmental upside, and long-term potential.
If Howard and Allar eventually emerge as future answers for the franchise, their education began here, inside a quarterback room loaded with knowledge and guided by one of football’s most accomplished quarterback teachers.
