RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. After his impressive performance in Thursday’s preseason win over the Green Bay Packers, some are already anointing rookie quarterback Drew Allar as the Pittsburgh Steelers ’ future Aaron Rodgers successor.
However, Allar’s three-touchdown performance came against the Packers’ backups, and it’s way too early to crown him as anything other than a work-in-progress.
With Future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers making it known that 2026 will be his final season, the clock has started on the Steelers to find a long-term replacement under center.
After the Minnesota Vikings named Kyler Murray their starting QB, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report thinks it’s the perfect time for the Steelers to inquire about trading for former first-round passer J.J. McCarthy.
“Pittsburgh lacks clarity about its quarterback position beyond this season,” Knox wrote . “It has a pair of young developmental signal-callers in 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and rookie third-rounder Drew Allar. However, it doesn't have a clear-cut heir to Rodgers.
“Adding McCarthy to the mix would make sense for the Steelers, who are incredibly unlikely to wind up with a top draft slot in 2027. … Pittsburgh would also give McCarthy a wonderful opportunity to compete with Howard and Allar next offseason. In the meantime, the former Wolverines star would get to learn under one of the modern era's best quarterbacks and a proven offensive head coach in Mike McCarthy.”
McCarthy didn’t look great in the 10 games he played for the Vikings last season.
He struggled with his timing, decision-making, and play execution. Despite now being relegated to the bench behind a two-time Pro Bowler, McCarthy has made it known he doesn’t want to leave Minnesota.
“This is the place I want to be," McCarthy told reporters . “And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fanbase. And I'm going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization.”
But if the Steelers could pry McCarthy away from Minnesota, it would give them three young and capable options to replace Rodgers next year with Allar and Will Howard. New head coach Mike McCarthy is also regarded as a QB guru, so if there’s anyone equipped to help McCarthy resurrect his career, it’s him.
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