The 2026 NFL Draft has sent clear signals to two veteran quarterbacks, as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals selected potential franchise signal-callers on Day 2. These picks provide financial security and long-term solutions for the teams but leave the futures of their veteran quarterbacks hanging in the balance.
Steelers Draft Drew Allar Amid Aaron Rodgers Uncertainty
Aaron Rodgers did not commit to returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers before the draft. Instead of waiting, the Steelers selected Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar in the third round, 76th overall. This marked the first time Pittsburgh drafted a quarterback in three consecutive drafts. The last QB selected by the Steelers was Kenny Pickett in 2022, a first-round, 20th overall pick. In 2023, the team had Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitchell Trubisky. For 2024, they signed Russell Wilson to a one-year deal. Then, for 2025, they had Aaron Rodgers. In 2026, the Steelers lost their long-time head coach Mike Tomlin and hired Mike McCarthy. McCarthy's presence did not assure Rodgers' return, despite their Super Bowl-winning history.
Allar, who started his college career as a backup and missed the 2025 season due to a season-ending ankle injury, could be a long-term successor for Rodgers. However, Rodgers may still return to compete with Allar, Will Howard, and Mason Rudolph. Rodgers signed a one-year, $13 million contract last year and led the Steelers to their first AFC North divisional title in five years. A decision is expected by June. If Rodgers does not return, Allar may compete for the starting job with Rudolph and Howard.
Cardinals Draft Carson Beck After Kyler Murray Departure
The Arizona Cardinals, meanwhile, saw longtime quarterback Kyler Murray leave for the Minnesota Vikings, leaving Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on the roster. The last time Arizona drafted a quarterback was in 2019, when they selected Murray. After five seasons without meeting expectations, the Cardinals drafted Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck. Beck is a two-time CFP national champion, a Second-team All-SEC selection, and a Third-team All-ACC selection. He played five seasons for the Georgia Bulldogs and one season for the Hurricanes, recording 3,813 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in 16 games in 2025.
Beck is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft, behind Fernando Mendoza (Las Vegas Raiders' first-round, No. 1 overall pick). In Arizona, Brissett and Minshew are both looking to start, but they may have to compete with Beck for the starting job. Beck expressed readiness: "I know for sure that I'm going to step in there and try to take advantage of every opportunity I can and just put my best foot forward each and every day." The Cardinals' quarterback situation remains fluid, with Beck potentially becoming the No. 1 option.
