Steelers, Cardinals Draft QBs Amid Uncertainty in Third Round
Pittsburgh selects Drew Allar and Arizona picks Carson Beck as both franchises address murky quarterback situations.
Two NFL franchises used Friday's third round of the 2026 draft to inject new talent into uncertain quarterback rooms, with the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Penn State's Drew Allar and the Arizona Cardinals choosing Carson Beck from Miami.
The Steelers grabbed Allar in the third round as questions swirl around veteran Aaron Rodgers, according to ESPN. Pittsburgh's move signals a potential transition plan at the league's most critical position, though the franchise has yet to clarify Rodgers' status for the upcoming season.
Arizona followed suit by drafting Beck with the 65th overall pick, a selection ESPN described as further clouding an already uncertain QB depth chart. The Cardinals' decision adds another layer to a position group that lacks a clear starter heading into training camp.
Contrasting Paths to the Same Problem
Both organizations face similar challenges but arrive from different starting points. Pittsburgh's quarterback situation hinges on Rodgers, whose future with the team remains unresolved as the draft concluded. The Allar selection provides insurance and a developmental prospect regardless of the veteran's decision.
Arizona's quarterback room, meanwhile, entered the draft without a defined hierarchy. Beck's arrival compounds the competition rather than clarifying it, setting up a training-camp battle that could extend into the preseason.
Third-Round Value Play
Selecting quarterbacks in the third round represents a calculated risk for both franchises. Neither team committed a top-tier draft asset, preserving flexibility while adding potential long-term solutions. Third-round quarterbacks historically offer value when they develop, though success rates trail first-round selections significantly.
Allar, who started multiple seasons at Penn State, brings college experience and familiarity with Big Ten competition. Beck transferred to Miami after time at Georgia, showcasing adaptability and arm talent that attracted Arizona's front office.
Immediate Impact Questions
The timeline for either quarterback to see meaningful snaps remains unclear. Pittsburgh's situation depends entirely on Rodgers' decision and health. If the veteran returns, Allar likely spends 2026 learning the system. If Rodgers retires or departs, the Steelers may turn to Allar sooner than anticipated.
Arizona faces a more immediate decision. Without an established starter, Beck could compete for playing time from day one. The Cardinals' coaching staff must now evaluate multiple quarterbacks simultaneously, a process that typically extends through organized team activities and into August.
League-Wide Trend
The dual selections reflect a broader NFL pattern: teams stockpiling quarterback prospects rather than relying on a single option. Modern front offices increasingly draft signal-callers every few years, building depth and creating internal competition. Both Pittsburgh and Arizona followed this blueprint Friday night.
What we know: The Steelers drafted Drew Allar and the Cardinals selected Carson Beck in the third round, both addressing quarterback uncertainty. What's unclear: Neither team has announced a depth chart or clarified how these rookies fit into their 2026 plans, particularly Pittsburgh's situation with Aaron Rodgers.
Frequently asked
Why did the Steelers draft a quarterback?
Pittsburgh selected Drew Allar as Aaron Rodgers' future with the team remains uncertain, providing either a successor or developmental depth depending on the veteran's decision.
What does Carson Beck's selection mean for Arizona?
Beck adds to an already crowded quarterback room without a clear starter, setting up a training-camp competition that could extend into the preseason.
Is a third-round QB pick considered high value?
Third-round quarterbacks offer mid-tier value—lower risk than first-rounders but requiring more development time, with historically lower success rates at the position.
Will either rookie start in 2026?
That depends on veteran situations and training-camp performance. Arizona's lack of an established starter gives Beck a clearer path to early playing time than Allar in Pittsburgh.