The Steelers have officially kicked off OTAs. They got what they wanted in having Aaron Rodgers back before the start of the voluntary workouts, as the four-time MVP signed his contract and was leading the charge in offensive drills Monday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Having Rodgers signed ahead of OTAs was important to many higher-ups in the organization. Some of those people, such as Art Rooney II, really wanted Rodgers back by the NFL Draft. But, when it comes to building this football team to succeed in 2026, having Rodgers return early was a near requirement — no waiting until mandatory minicamp like last year.
Why? Because even with the limited reps in the bare-bones setting that OTAs naturally are, Rodgers can begin establishing a rapport with his teammates.
"Just getting to know him better, listening to the things he's telling us, just going out and spending more time," Michael Pittman Jr. said Monday afternoon at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "This is the first day, so we have now up until our first game. We're gonna get as many reps as possible."
Normally, the starting quarterback doesn't need to be at every single OTA in May and June. They are voluntary workouts for a reason. The extra work is certainly beneficial from a team-building perspective, but it's not a requirement. The coaching staff designs OTAs knowing they're voluntary, so the players that miss the activities aren't missing vital information.
In Rodgers' case, there are new receivers to learn, such as Pittman and second-round pick Germie Bernard. There's also a whole new coaching staff. And despite Rodgers' previous relationship with Mike McCarthy, the two haven't worked together in eight years. Rodgers is a different quarterback now. McCarthy's offense has evolved, too. The extra work puts the entire offense in a better position.
That being said, if Rodgers opts to miss any OTA over the next few weeks, that's only going to be more reps for Will Howard, Mason Rudolph and third-round pick Drew Allar. Howard was slotted in as the second quarterback in the rotation at the start of Monday's session, indicating a true attempt to put Howard in a position to take a step forward this year.
At the same time, the Steelers didn't draft Allar in the third round for no reason. He possesses eye-popping tools that could develop into something special with the right tutelage. And, Rudolph remains a quality quarterback that raises the floor of the team.
"Both of them are growing still," Pittman said of Howard and Allar. "I think they're doing a really good job. I've had more time to throw with Will. I think he's ready to step up whenever his name is called. Seeing Drew throw, we've only had a week with him, but I think he's talented. Everything he brings -- the size, the arm. Then also Mason, too, a vet going into Year 8 or 9. They have a stacked up room for sure."
How the quarterback room shakes out won't be decided for a few months. But, setting the pecking order now, even at the infancy of the team development process, is a necessary start as McCarthy attempts to get this organization back to winning playoff games.
THE ASYLUM
Rodgers' return at OTAs sure felt necessary
The Steelers have officially kicked off OTAs. They got what they wanted in having Aaron Rodgers back before the start of the voluntary workouts, as the four-time MVP signed his contract and was leading the charge in offensive drills Monday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Having Rodgers signed ahead of OTAs was important to many higher-ups in the organization. Some of those people, such as Art Rooney II, really wanted Rodgers back by the NFL Draft. But, when it comes to building this football team to succeed in 2026, having Rodgers return early was a near requirement — no waiting until mandatory minicamp like last year.
Why? Because even with the limited reps in the bare-bones setting that OTAs naturally are, Rodgers can begin establishing a rapport with his teammates.
"Just getting to know him better, listening to the things he's telling us, just going out and spending more time," Michael Pittman Jr. said Monday afternoon at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "This is the first day, so we have now up until our first game. We're gonna get as many reps as possible."
Normally, the starting quarterback doesn't need to be at every single OTA in May and June. They are voluntary workouts for a reason. The extra work is certainly beneficial from a team-building perspective, but it's not a requirement. The coaching staff designs OTAs knowing they're voluntary, so the players that miss the activities aren't missing vital information.
In Rodgers' case, there are new receivers to learn, such as Pittman and second-round pick Germie Bernard. There's also a whole new coaching staff. And despite Rodgers' previous relationship with Mike McCarthy, the two haven't worked together in eight years. Rodgers is a different quarterback now. McCarthy's offense has evolved, too. The extra work puts the entire offense in a better position.
That being said, if Rodgers opts to miss any OTA over the next few weeks, that's only going to be more reps for Will Howard, Mason Rudolph and third-round pick Drew Allar. Howard was slotted in as the second quarterback in the rotation at the start of Monday's session, indicating a true attempt to put Howard in a position to take a step forward this year.
At the same time, the Steelers didn't draft Allar in the third round for no reason. He possesses eye-popping tools that could develop into something special with the right tutelage. And, Rudolph remains a quality quarterback that raises the floor of the team.
"Both of them are growing still," Pittman said of Howard and Allar. "I think they're doing a really good job. I've had more time to throw with Will. I think he's ready to step up whenever his name is called. Seeing Drew throw, we've only had a week with him, but I think he's talented. Everything he brings -- the size, the arm. Then also Mason, too, a vet going into Year 8 or 9. They have a stacked up room for sure."
How the quarterback room shakes out won't be decided for a few months. But, setting the pecking order now, even at the infancy of the team development process, is a necessary start as McCarthy attempts to get this organization back to winning playoff games.
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