McCarthy: Drafting Allar wasn't related to Rodgers' looming decision

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Saturday that the team drafting Drew Allar in the third round wasn't related to Aaron Rodgers' decision on whether he'll return next season.

"This is about developing the room and trying to make the room as deep as we possibly can," McCarthy said of the team selecting Allar, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

The 22-year-old was the fourth signal-caller to hear their named called at the event, behind Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Carson Beck. Allar spent four seasons at Penn State, throwing for 7,402 yards, 61 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 45 career games. He ranked No. 6 on theScore's quarterback prospect rankings entering the draft.

Pittsburgh's quarterback room now features Allar, 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard, and veteran Mason Rudolph heading into OTAs. However, the question of who will start remains, given that the organization is waiting to see whether Rodgers will be back.

Rodgers, 42, has given no indication as to what his plans are. Last year, he didn't officially sign with the Steelers until June. McCarthy told reporters in March that reuniting with Rodgers following their time together in Green Bay would be "a great story."

While the Steelers continue to await word from Rodgers, McCarthy added Saturday that he's comfortable with their current options at the position.

"I will coach the hell out of that room," McCarthy said. "I have a lot of confidence. I have history and experience that I will give everything I can to any quarterback in that room. We want to grow the quarterback room. We don't want to just rely on one quarterback."

Pittsburgh went 10-6 with Rodgers under center last season and reached the wild-card round of the playoffs, where it fell to the Houston Texans.