The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to have made an unusual decision for the 2026 season: the team plans to keep four quarterbacks on its initial 53-man roster.
Head coach Mike McCarthy essentially confirmed the plan after Pittsburgh's 28-27 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. The decision would keep Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar and Will Howard together. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Who are Pittsburgh's four quarterbacks?
The position became one of the Steelers' most interesting storylines after Aaron Rodgers confirmed his return for 2026 and Pittsburgh selected Drew Allar in the third round of the NFL Draft.
Along with Rodgers and Allar, the team has Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. McCarthy said he feels good about the group and believes the two veterans and two young quarterbacks all have value to the organization.
The competition continued through the final preseason game, when Allar and Howard received significant repetitions to complete their evaluations. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Why do the Steelers want four quarterbacks?
Keeping four quarterbacks on a 53-man roster is not common. Most teams carry two or three and use the practice squad to develop or retain additional players.
The decision means Pittsburgh will have fewer roster spots available at other positions. NFL.com noted that keeping four quarterbacks can reduce depth elsewhere, particularly on special teams, although current practice-squad eligibility rules make the cost less significant than it once was.
For McCarthy, however, the value of the quarterback room appears to justify keeping all four players.
Rodgers will be the starter
Aaron Rodgers remains Pittsburgh's starting quarterback. The 42-year-old veteran provides immediate experience while the Steelers develop their two young quarterbacks.
Mason Rudolph provides another experienced NFL option and has earned enough confidence from the coaching staff to remain on the roster.
Drew Allar is an important investment because Pittsburgh selected him in the third round of the 2026 Draft. Releasing him after one preseason would have been highly unlikely.
The most difficult decision involved Will Howard, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 Draft. His performance during the summer, however, appears to have convinced McCarthy to keep him.
How did Will Howard perform?
Howard started against Buffalo and completed 9 of 15 passes for 69 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He was also sacked three times.
His performance had some problems, but both touchdowns came on drives that ended inside the red zone after Buffalo special-teams mistakes.
McCarthy made clear that the evaluation needed to consider the entire body of work from the summer rather than one game. That assessment appears to have been enough for Howard to keep his roster spot.
What does it mean for Pittsburgh's roster?
Keeping four quarterbacks will force the Steelers to make tighter decisions at other positions. Every additional roster spot used on a quarterback could mean losing a special-teams player, offensive lineman or defensive contributor.
However, Pittsburgh believes quarterback depth has particular value. Rodgers is 42, and the team wants experienced alternatives while developing Allar and Howard.
The practice squad also gives the Steelers flexibility to move players between the active roster and the developmental group depending on their needs during the season.
An unusual decision with a clear logic
Pittsburgh's decision does not mean all four quarterbacks will play during the regular season. Rodgers will start, while Rudolph is the most experienced backup.
Allar and Howard primarily represent future investments, although both could become important options if circumstances force the team to change its plan.
With the final roster approaching, McCarthy will have to turn the idea into an official decision. For now, however, the coach has made it clear that keeping all four quarterbacks is a very real possibility for Pittsburgh in 2026.