The Steelers got a real look at their young quarterbacks, and the biggest splash came from Drew Allar.
In his preseason debut, the rookie led Pittsburgh with 153 passing yards, threw two touchdown passes and added a rushing score. Second-year quarterback Will Howard also drew a loud reaction from the Acrisure Stadium crowd when he checked into the game, giving the Steelers a night that showed both young passers could handle the moment.
But it was Mike McCarthy’s assessment of Allar that turned heads after the game. Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, the Steelers head coach said the team viewed Allar as a first-round talent when they selected him in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“When we drafted Drew Allar,” he said. “We felt we were getting a first-round pick… All of that’s holding true.”
That’s a strong endorsement, even if it comes with the usual preseason caution. One game doesn’t change everything, and McCarthy knows that. Still, he had plenty to like from a quarterback room that looks far healthier than it has in recent years.
Aaron Rodgers is in place as the starter, while Mason Rudolph and Howard are locked in a real battle for the backup job. Compared with where the Steelers were heading into the 2025 season, that’s a major shift. Allar didn’t instantly become the future of the franchise, and Howard didn’t suddenly prove he can start 50 NFL games, but both showed enough to justify the buzz around them.
McCarthy’s comments, though, raised eyebrows. If Allar was truly seen as a first-round player, the obvious question is why Pittsburgh waited until the third round to take him. The Steelers passed on him at pick No. 21 and again when they traded up in the second round.
That’s why the declaration feels more like a big-time compliment than a literal draft-grade statement. Allar’s upside is obvious, and the organization clearly believes it landed a promising quarterback. Still, calling him a first-round pick after the fact is a bold line.
Whether it was coach speak or a genuine tell, McCarthy made one thing clear: he’s impressed with what he saw from his rookie quarterback. And after a preseason opener that gave the Steelers a promising look at their quarterback depth, there’s a lot for Pittsburgh to feel good about.
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