The Steelers may have stumbled upon a problem most NFL teams would love to have, but it could still force a difficult decision before the regular season gets rolling. With experience, upside, and potential all competing for a roster spot, Pittsburgh has a lot of questions to answer in its QB room.

Aaron Rodgers is surely the locked-in starter. Meanwhile, Will Howard, Drew Allar and Mason Rudolph are the other members in the QB room, all of whom have their own cases to be the number two. However, the younger QBs Allar and Howard have gotten a lot of love from fans and the coaches, which has prompted many to believe Rudolph could be traded, but a Steelers Insider believes otherwise.

“You can always get to a point where you keep four quarterbacks on the roster for six or seven weeks, up until the trade deadline in early November,” the Steelers reporter, Mark Kaboly, said on 93.7 The Fan, Thursday.

“If you feel more comfortable with Howard or Allar, maybe that brings a Mason trade into play a little bit more. But I don’t think they are interested in that. I think they are interested in developing the two for later and winning now with the older guys.”

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Mark Kaboly’s comments become important when looking at what happened in Pittsburgh’s preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. Rudolph completed 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards, while Howard, entering his second season, went seven of nine for 86 yards in relief. And Allar gave a remarkable performance, completing 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards and three passing TDs.

The Steelers are not just choosing between three backup QBs. They are trying to maintain security regarding future scenarios around the position. Rudolph has nine years of experience and the ability to make an impact in games, which Allar and Howard have not yet peaked.

The veteran has made 18 career starts, throwing for 4,615 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also finished the 2023 season with three straight starts and helped the Steelers reach the playoffs. In 2024, he started five games with the Tennessee Titans, posting 1,530 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Last season, he completed 73.1% of his passes while throwing for 310 yards and completing two touchdowns with two interceptions.

“Mason has great command of the offense. Just pure on the field game day, he’s very experienced. He’s a strong personality in the locker room. I really like his command, understanding the offense,” McCarthy said. “He’s been through a number of systems. He’s been asked to do things differently for how we believe the quarterback position is played. He’s done an excellent job.”

Rodgers is turning 42 and is going to retire at the end of the current season, which makes Rudolph’s presence valuable.

While both the young QBs have immense talent, to think that they will be able to handle the pressure of the NFL without a veteran presence around them is a tall ask.

After Rodgers leaves the team, Allar and Howard need time to transition into starting level QBs, but for that, keeping a player like Rudolph is going to be key.

Steelers’ Backup QB Race Gets Intense as Drew Allar and Will Howard Impress Mike McCarthy

This QB battle is fascinating. Howard has shown consistency, and Allar has the explosive upside. Allar is still learning, while Howard gives the Steelers the efficiency needed at position. The second-year QB out of Kansas State and Ohio State led the offense on a two-minute drill, securing their first touchdown of the game.

Allar is a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, while Howard is a developmental QB with upside. On paper, Allar’s performance may have created pressure on Rudolph. HC Mike McCarthy has already appreciated the rookie’s talent, indicating the Steelers saw him as possessing first-round talent despite selecting him in the third round.

“Can’t say enough about the two young guys. I think both of these guys have very bright futures. We have to give them all the possible opportunities that we can. It’s an extremely healthy quarterback room,” said McCarthy on Sirius XM via AOL.

McCarthy wants his younger QBs to get more game experience, not that Rudolph has fallen behind. He is scheduled to start against the Jets, while Rudolph and Rodgers are sitting out the preseason.

Unless one of the young QBs proves that he can provide the same reliability as Rudolph in the battle, Pittsburgh is comfortable keeping all four for now. And if that’s the plan, the Steelers may have already made their most important decision.