Podcast Host Makes Bold Allar Take
Brian Baldinger’s bold evaluation of Allar centers on one thing: he believes the Steelers rookie already owns a top‑10 arm in the NFL — even before taking a meaningful professional snap. It’s the kind of claim that doesn’t just stir conversation; it forces people to stop and reassess what Pittsburgh might have landed in the third round.
The comment came on Baldinger’s Best Football Show podcast, where he didn’t bother with qualifiers or caution. He simply said Allar has “an NFL arm… probably a top‑10 arm in the league right now,” a line that immediately rippled through Pittsburgh talk shows and national coverage.
Allar’s Arm Talent Draws National Attention
Baldinger’s take stands out because it cuts against the more measured evaluations from names like Ben Roethlisberger and Todd McShay. They’ve questioned whether Allar is ready for the leap from Penn State to the NFL, pointing to his uneven production and the learning curve ahead.
But Baldinger sees something different. He sees a raw, powerful passer with natural velocity and downfield touch, the kind of physical profile that jumps off the screen even when the polish isn’t there yet. In his view, that’s the foundation of a future starter.
Why Baldinger Believes in Allar
Part of Baldinger’s confidence comes from what he believes he didn’t get at Penn State. He said the quarterback wasn’t “very well‑coached,” referencing conversations with people inside the program who felt the offensive structure didn’t maximize his strengths or allow him to grow into a more complete passer.
The other part is Mike McCarthy. Baldinger pointed to McCarthy’s history with quarterbacks who weren’t finished products early in their careers. He believes the Steelers’ new head coach can build Allar the right way, giving him time, structure, and a system that fits his arm talent.
The Steelers’ Plan for Allar
Despite the buzz, he isn’t expected to play in 2026. Pittsburgh is widely expected to bring back Aaron Rodgers as the starter, with Mason Rudolph or Will Howard likely filling the backup role. That leaves him in a developmental lane, which Baldinger sees as the perfect setup.
The Steelers drafted him in the third round, a value swing on a player once viewed as a potential top prospect before an ankle injury and struggles against elite defenses cooled his stock. Pittsburgh believes the tools are still there — they just need refinement.
What Allar Must Improve
Even Baldinger acknowledges Allar isn’t a finished product. His accuracy wavered at Penn State, especially in high‑pressure moments, and the offense around him didn’t always help him settle in or build rhythm.
The Steelers know this, and McCarthy has already emphasized long‑term development. They’re not asking Allar to be ready now. They’re asking him to grow into the job.
The Bottom Line on Allar
Baldinger’s take is bold, but it reflects a growing curiosity inside Pittsburgh about what Allar could become. He’s a boom‑or‑bust prospect with rare physical traits, and the Steelers believe they have the infrastructure to give him a real chance.
If he develops behind Rodgers and under McCarthy, Pittsburgh may have quietly found its quarterback of the future. If he doesn’t, the cost was low enough that the swing still made sense. Either way, Allar’s arrival has added real intrigue to the Steelers’ quarterback room, and Baldinger’s endorsement only turns up the spotlight.
