What’s Delaying Steelers QB Drew Allar’s Rookie Contract?

In what has been one of the busiest off‑seasons in recent memory for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the organization has worked methodically to secure contracts for one of its largest rookie classes in years.

To date, nine of the team’s ten draft selections have officially signed their rookie deals. The lone exception is quarterback Drew Allar, the third‑round pick the Steelers view as a long‑term developmental project.

Despite entering the league with acknowledged flaws, Allar impressed head coach Mike McCarthy and the Steelers’ personnel department enough to warrant a Day 2 selection. Throughout OTAs, the coaching staff invested significant time refining his mechanics, decision‑making, and footwork — early steps in what they believe could be a multi‑year developmental arc. By all accounts, the project is trending in a positive direction.

Yet the question remains: why is Allar the only unsigned rookie in Pittsburgh’s class?

A potential answer lies outside Pittsburgh — in Arizona, with fellow third‑round quarterback Carson Beck. Beck, whom the Steelers met multiple times during the pre‑draft process, shares two notable similarities with Allar: both were selected in the third round, and both are the final unsigned rookies from their respective draft classes.

According to a theory raised by Sports Illustrated writer Jacob Punturi, the delay may stem from a broader contractual chain reaction. Beck could be waiting on the remaining unsigned first‑round quarterbacks — Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson — whose deals will influence the guaranteed‑money structure for the rest of the quarterback class. Until those contracts are finalized, Beck’s camp may be reluctant to commit, and Allar’s representatives may be waiting for Beck to set the market for third‑round quarterbacks.

Viewed linearly, Allar’s eventual contract will likely mirror Beck’s, who entered the league as a slightly more polished prospect. However, the Steelers are under no immediate pressure. Allar participated fully in OTAs and minicamp, and the team does not face a roster‑management deadline until training camp begins. Still, if the stalemate extends into late July, it could impact Allar’s ability to compete for the QB2 role.