Mike McCarthy typically only carries three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Since that won't be set until Sept. 1, the plan moving forward throughout OTAs, mandatory minicamp and training camp is to have four quarterbacks on the roster.
"In Minnesota, I think we had three different starting quarterbacks," said offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio on Tuesday morning at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I think it's great. I think you can never have enough quarterbacks. The one thing Coach McCarthy talks about is the development and training of the quarterbacks. With the system that's in place here, I think it's great that we have four quarterbacks. It's something that we're really excited about. We have a good plan of how we're going to get those guys reps so they all can continue to develop."
Each quarterback has different levels of development to achieve. With Rodgers, the guy's played 21 seasons and won a Super Bowl and four MVP awards. His development in 2026, especially at this stage, is all about establishing a rapport with the new players here.
In addition, Rodgers is getting reacclimated with McCarthy and Angelichio. While those three spent time together in Green Bay, it's been eight years since that time came to an end. Rodgers isn't the same quarterback. McCarthy and Angelichio have each had lots of different experiences since then, too. Yet, Angelichio isn't fazed at all by how Rodgers' game has evolved.
"Aaron's played in an elite level for all his career," Angelichio said. "His arm talent, the throws he makes, I mean, those are things that he's done since he's been in this league. It truly amazes me and it's remarkable the way the guy throws the football."
With the other three, Will Howard has one year under his belt and is vying to be Rodgers' backup -- a spot Howard was in during Monday's OTA. Mason Rudolph is an established veteran, but can prove to be a valuable backup for Rodgers and, at still just 30 years old, has room to grow as a quarterback. Third-round pick Drew Allar is much more of a project, needing serious reworking of his footwork, but has tools coveted by any team looking to develop quarterbacks.
Having Rodgers in the fold this early in the process is very valuable to not just the development of the team, but of the quarterback room as a whole -- something that is near and dear to McCarthy's heart. And as the Steelers work through the initial installation of the offense, the more this group can grow together, the better it is for the individual development, as well.
"It's unbelievable," Angelichio said. "Aaron's such a great mentor, teammate. His feedback and the information that he provides, you can't beat. How he's done it, what's worked for him, what hasn't worked and him just sharing his -- and he does share them. He is very willing to help the players -- all our players -- and I think that certainly is a big plus for us."
While the Steelers will have four quarterbacks for now, remember that the Steelers typically carry four quarterbacks throughout OTAs, training camp and the preseason. This plan in place right now; it's likely temporary. One of these four players will likely be somewhere else come Sept. 1. For now, the best this group can do is work and grow together. The more they push each other to be better, and the harder they make any decision made by McCarthy, the better it is for this franchise, both in 2026 and beyond.
THE ASYLUM
Four quarterbacks part of the plan ... for now
Mike McCarthy typically only carries three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Since that won't be set until Sept. 1, the plan moving forward throughout OTAs, mandatory minicamp and training camp is to have four quarterbacks on the roster.
"In Minnesota, I think we had three different starting quarterbacks," said offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio on Tuesday morning at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I think it's great. I think you can never have enough quarterbacks. The one thing Coach McCarthy talks about is the development and training of the quarterbacks. With the system that's in place here, I think it's great that we have four quarterbacks. It's something that we're really excited about. We have a good plan of how we're going to get those guys reps so they all can continue to develop."
Each quarterback has different levels of development to achieve. With Rodgers, the guy's played 21 seasons and won a Super Bowl and four MVP awards. His development in 2026, especially at this stage, is all about establishing a rapport with the new players here.
In addition, Rodgers is getting reacclimated with McCarthy and Angelichio. While those three spent time together in Green Bay, it's been eight years since that time came to an end. Rodgers isn't the same quarterback. McCarthy and Angelichio have each had lots of different experiences since then, too. Yet, Angelichio isn't fazed at all by how Rodgers' game has evolved.
"Aaron's played in an elite level for all his career," Angelichio said. "His arm talent, the throws he makes, I mean, those are things that he's done since he's been in this league. It truly amazes me and it's remarkable the way the guy throws the football."
With the other three, Will Howard has one year under his belt and is vying to be Rodgers' backup -- a spot Howard was in during Monday's OTA. Mason Rudolph is an established veteran, but can prove to be a valuable backup for Rodgers and, at still just 30 years old, has room to grow as a quarterback. Third-round pick Drew Allar is much more of a project, needing serious reworking of his footwork, but has tools coveted by any team looking to develop quarterbacks.
Having Rodgers in the fold this early in the process is very valuable to not just the development of the team, but of the quarterback room as a whole -- something that is near and dear to McCarthy's heart. And as the Steelers work through the initial installation of the offense, the more this group can grow together, the better it is for the individual development, as well.
"It's unbelievable," Angelichio said. "Aaron's such a great mentor, teammate. His feedback and the information that he provides, you can't beat. How he's done it, what's worked for him, what hasn't worked and him just sharing his -- and he does share them. He is very willing to help the players -- all our players -- and I think that certainly is a big plus for us."
While the Steelers will have four quarterbacks for now, remember that the Steelers typically carry four quarterbacks throughout OTAs, training camp and the preseason. This plan in place right now; it's likely temporary. One of these four players will likely be somewhere else come Sept. 1. For now, the best this group can do is work and grow together. The more they push each other to be better, and the harder they make any decision made by McCarthy, the better it is for this franchise, both in 2026 and beyond.
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