Mike McCarthy Addresses Whether Drafting Drew Allar Changes Aaron Rodgers' Future With Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the biggest statement of the 2026 NFL Draft when they selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with the 28th overall pick, and head coach Mike McCarthy wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room: what does this mean for Aaron Rodgers?

McCarthy, who has a long history with Rodgers from their days together in Green Bay, was direct in his response. "Drew is a talented young quarterback, and we're excited to develop him," McCarthy told reporters Saturday. "But our approach with Aaron hasn't changed. He's a future Hall of Famer, and if he wants to play, we want him here."

The careful phrasing — "if he wants to play" — says more than the words themselves. Rodgers, 42, has been noncommittal about his plans for the 2026 season, leaving the Steelers in an awkward holding pattern throughout the offseason. The selection of Allar, widely regarded as the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft class, gives Pittsburgh an insurance policy that they didn't have before.

Allar's college resume is impressive: 4,200 passing yards and 38 touchdowns in his final season at Penn State, with a completion percentage of 67.3% that showcased his improved accuracy and decision-making. At 6'5" and 233 pounds, he has the prototypical NFL frame and arm strength that scouts love. The questions about him have always been about consistency and processing speed under pressure — areas where Rodgers, even at 42, still sets the standard.

The Steelers' offseason has been defined by the Rodgers uncertainty. The team has re-signed backup Mason Rudolph and added journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson, but neither inspires confidence as a Week 1 starter for a team with playoff aspirations. Allar, at minimum, provides legitimate competition and a long-term answer at the position.

The decision on Rodgers ultimately rests with the quarterback himself. Multiple reports suggest he is seriously considering retirement after a 2025 season that saw him throw for 3,800 yards and 24 touchdowns but miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Steelers have made it clear they will give him time to decide, but the clock is ticking.

Training camp begins in late July. Whether Rodgers is under center when the Steelers open the season against the Ravens on September 7 — or whether it's Allar taking the first snaps of his NFL career — remains the biggest unanswered question in Pittsburgh.