Steelers, Cardinals Draft QBs Amid Rodgers Uncertainty
Pittsburgh selects Drew Allar and Arizona picks Carson Beck as teams reshape quarterback depth charts in third round.
Two NFL franchises made significant quarterback investments Friday night during the third round of the 2024 draft, each addressing roster uncertainty with contrasting strategies. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar while the Arizona Cardinals chose Georgia's Carson Beck with the 65th overall pick, adding fresh talent to already complicated depth charts.
Steelers Add Allar While Rodgers Speculation Continues
Pittsburgh used a third-round selection on Drew Allar, the former Penn State standout, even as speculation continues about veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers potentially joining the organization [c0]. The move signals the Steelers' commitment to building quarterback depth regardless of how the Rodgers situation resolves. Allar started 24 games for the Nittany Lions and brings a strong arm and mobility to the NFL level.
The selection comes at a time when Pittsburgh's quarterback room remains in flux. By drafting Allar, the front office has added a developmental prospect who can compete for a roster spot while the team navigates veteran free agency and potential trade scenarios. The timing suggests Pittsburgh is unwilling to wait indefinitely for clarity on Rodgers' future plans.
Cardinals Complicate QB Picture with Beck Selection
Arizona's decision to draft Carson Beck with the 65th pick further clouds an already uncertain quarterback situation in the desert [c1]. The former Georgia quarterback joins a Cardinals roster that already features multiple signal-callers competing for playing time. Beck's addition raises questions about the team's long-term plans at the position and whether current roster members will remain with the organization.
Beck earned recognition as one of college football's top quarterbacks during his time with the Bulldogs. His selection in the third round represents significant value for Arizona, though it also creates competition and potential roster decisions ahead of training camp. The Cardinals now face the challenge of managing multiple quarterback contracts and development timelines.
Draft Strategy Reflects League-Wide QB Urgency
Both selections underscore the premium NFL teams place on quarterback talent, even in the middle rounds of the draft. Pittsburgh and Arizona each chose to invest draft capital in the position despite existing roster questions, betting on the long-term value of developing young passers. The moves reflect a broader league trend of stockpiling quarterback prospects rather than relying solely on veteran acquisitions or high-priced free agents.
The third-round timing of both picks also highlights how teams view this year's quarterback class. Neither franchise felt compelled to reach for a passer in the first or second round, instead waiting for value to emerge later in the draft. This patience may prove strategic if Allar and Beck develop into reliable contributors over the next several seasons.
What we know: The Steelers drafted Drew Allar and the Cardinals selected Carson Beck in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft, both adding quarterback depth amid roster uncertainty. What's unclear: How these selections affect existing quarterback competitions, whether Pittsburgh's move signals the end of Aaron Rodgers speculation, and what Arizona's long-term plan is for managing multiple passers on the roster.
Frequently asked
Why did the Steelers draft a quarterback?
Pittsburgh selected Drew Allar to add depth and development potential while uncertainty continues around veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers potentially joining the team.
What does Beck's selection mean for Arizona?
The Cardinals' choice of Carson Beck at pick 65 adds another quarterback to an already crowded position group, creating competition and raising questions about the team's long-term plans.
Were these quarterbacks expected to go in the third round?
Both Allar and Beck were considered mid-round prospects, and their third-round selections suggest teams saw value in waiting rather than reaching earlier in the draft.