By admin 
The Pittsburgh Steelers have finished training camp and are now preparing for their second preseason game. They will host the New York Jets on Friday night, giving young players another chance to prove themselves. The Steelers learned plenty about their areas for improvement, but several promising performances emerged. The biggest buzz has surrounded young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar. While head coach Mike McCarthy has previously praised Howard, he made an even stronger endorsement of Allar.
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During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, McCarthy gave Allar a massive endorsement. He may have even shown the Steelers’ cards regarding their plans for him.
“When we drafted Drew, we felt like we were getting a first-round pick … When you know just the value that our personnel department had on him, you know, coming out of his junior year, and just, you would sit there and listen to all the reports … As you talk about the timeline of his career, what happened [his senior year], he had the injury, and so forth. So, and all that’s holding true,” McCarthy said.
Allar’s upside is undeniable, but neither are his concerns
Allar’s physical tools and arm talent are easy to see, but he remains a raw passer who needs development. His mechanics can get inconsistent, particularly when his footwork falls out of sync with his upper body. That can lead to accuracy issues. Allar also got easily rattled in pressure situations at Penn State.
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His processing remains a work in progress. He can make impressive throws, but he must improve at reading defenses, working through progressions, and making quick (and correct) decisions. Penn State’s offense also did not always provide the ideal environment for him to develop as a traditional NFL passer, making his projection somewhat complicated.
Allar is a lottery ticket the Steelers are betting on under McCarthy
The Steelers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with three third-round picks, giving them flexibility to take a swing on a player with significant upside. Allar became that lottery ticket. Pittsburgh can afford to be patient with him while McCarthy and the coaching staff work to develop his raw traits. This is due to the fact the Steelers have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback for 2026.
His floor could be a capable backup quarterback who gives the Steelers reliable depth. However, the ceiling is more exciting. If Allar develops his mechanics, processing, and consistency, he could eventually become the franchise quarterback Pittsburgh has been searching for. McCarthy’s endorsement suggests the Steelers already believe that jackpot is worth betting on.
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This story was originally published August 17, 2026 at 2:16 PM.