Steelers players are slated to report to training camp on Tuesday, July 28. They have until Monday, August 10 to reach terms with Allar; if an agreement isn’t reached by then, draft picks in that situation face restrictions, including limitations on trade options and the choice to either sign with the team that selected them or wait until the following season.
Under two months from Week 1, the unfolding contract dynamics among the quarterbacks could influence negotiations for the rest of the rookie class. Mendoza and Simpson were the first two quarterbacks selected in the first round by other teams—the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Rams, respectively—followed by Beck chosen by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round. Pittsburgh secured Allar shortly afterward. The pace and terms of Mendoza’s and Simpson’s deals may impact how Beck and Allar are valued.
Allar spent four seasons at Penn State, taking over as the starting quarterback during his sophomore year. In 2023, he led the Big Ten with 25 touchdown passes and followed with 24 touchdowns and more than 3,000 passing yards. His 2024 season was shortened by a season-ending ankle injury after six appearances, but he is expected to be healthy for his rookie year.
On the roster, Pittsburgh has veteran leadership to kick things off. A familiar name in the building is Aaron Rodgers, who rejoined the offense to guide the unit. In his first season with the Steelers, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards across 16 games, finishing with a 24:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio in a conservative offense designed by the team’s coordinators.
Mason Rudolph remains under contract in the second year of his deal, a two-year, $7.5 million arrangement he re-signed with the organization. Rudolph’s return provides experienced depth behind the presumed starter and the competition for the No. 3 quarterback role.
The No. 3 quarterback competition is expected to be between Allar and Will Howard, a sixth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard, who starred at Ohio State, faced an early setback in his pro career, breaking a hand in practice and starting the season on injured reserve. He has yet to appear in an NFL game.
As training camp begins, all eyes will be on how the Steelers maneuver Allar’s contract status and how the quarterback room shapes up behind Rodgers and the starter. The development of the backup plans and the health and readiness of Allar will play critical roles in Pittsburgh’s approach to the quarterback position this season.
