The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves by hiring longtime NFL head coach Mike McCarthy to replace Mike Tomlin, who stepped down this offseason after 19 seasons at the helm. One of the biggest reasons why McCarthy was hired to take over is his experience as a quarterback guru and offensive play-caller. He is one of the best offensive coaches of his generation.
The 62-year-old coach spoke with ESPN’s Brooke Pryor during the team’s rookie minicamp over the weekend and shared his vision for the Steelers’ quarterback room in 2026. In fact, he revealed how many quarterbacks he would like to keep on the final 53-man roster.
Could It Be Four Quarterbacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
GettyAaron Rodgers went 10-6 as the Steelers’ starter last season.
Here is what McCarthy told Pryor about how many quarterbacks he would like to keep on the final roster:
“Having three quarterbacks is ideal…Three is normal. Four would be awesome.”
Pryor noted how McCarthy said four quarterbacks with a smirk, as well. He could be alluding to his old quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who is likely to be the team’s starter once again in 2026. However, he hasn’t signed a contract yet.
Still, four quarterbacks make the most sense in this scenario. If Rodgers returns, he would clearly be the starter in perhaps his final NFL season. Then, it would make the most sense to have veteran backup Mason Rudolph be second behind Rodgers. To round out the quarterback room, second-year quarterback Will Howard and third-round rookie Drew Allar would also be there.
Two veterans. A starter, who can win a lot of games, and a backup, who has seen plenty of action and can be trusted to step in in case of injury. Then, two developmental prospects who can both learn from the veterans and the head coach.
Aaron Rodgers Has Always Been the Answer
GettyAaron Rodgers helped mentor rookie quarterback Will Howard last season.
At the end of the day, should he re-sign with the club, Rodgers is the best answer for the team at starting quarterback. Not only does he have the chance to link back up with McCarthy, who he spent 13 seasons with in Green Bay (2006-2018), but he also played great football last season, given the situation.
The four-time MVP and Super Bowl MVP recorded 25 total touchdowns and just seven interceptions, along with a passer rating of 94.8. While he wasn’t his 2011 MVP self, he was pretty valuable given the state of the roster. He was working with a makeshift wide receiver corps and had a struggling defense backing him up. If it weren’t for Rodgers’ consistency on the field and great leadership, Pittsburgh likely doesn’t win its first AFC North title in five years.
Heading into what could be his final NFL season, Rodgers may have the chance to yet again lead a contending team while mentoring the future with Howard and Allar behind him. Regardless of what happens, true NFL fans should make a point to appreciate his greatness one more time before they can’t.
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