While Aaron Rodgers commands the huddle as the Pittsburgh Steelers immediate starter, the franchise's long-term plan under center is rapidly crystallizing. Inside the Steelers' front office, rookie quarterback Drew Allar isn't viewed merely as a third-round developmental project; he is quietly being positioned as the team’s starting quarterback for 2027. Selected 76th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Penn State, Allar fell out of the first round following a late-season ankle injury and lingering questions about raw arm mechanics. However, new head coach Mike McCarthy has previously revealed that Pittsburgh’s personnel evaluation held a far higher grade on the big passer. Insiders confirm the organization’s vision aligns directly with that high assessment. "I would say yeah," noted Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan. "I believe everything he said right there that they did have a first round value on there. Right now in their minds, they're thinking Drew Allar is their QB1 next year. That's the way they're going to go into it."
While Allar's impressive preseason debut against the Packers yielded inflated box-score numbers aided by defensive pass interference penalties, his underlying growth has impressed coaches. His footwork, real-time decision-making, and self-correcting ability have progressed at an accelerated pace. "If he continues to make that leap, I can definitely [see] he could be a starter next year," Kaboly added. "It's a good start." With Rodgers firmly helming the ship for the present campaign, the Steelers have created an ideal bridge scenario. By giving Allar a full year to refine his mechanics without the immediate pressure of starting, Pittsburgh is laying the groundwork for a seamless succession plan. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: How Drew Allar is quietly positioning himself as Steelers' 2027 QB1