The Pittsburgh Steelers are soon going to need to find Ben Roethlisberger’s successor. Here are three candidates to replace him when he is gone.
Ben Roethlisberger is entering his 17th season as the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and is currently 38 years old. Ben is not getting any younger and it is time the Steelers start looking for a replacement.
Last season is a prime example of why the Steelers need a future star. After Ben went down in week 2 with an elbow injury, Mason Rudolph was the next to step up. Things did not go well with Ruldoph under center and the team eventually benched him in favor of Devlin Hodges. The Steelers would go on to finish with an 8-8 record and missing the playoffs.
It is common knowledge that if the Steelers had Ben Roethlisberger that season, the team could have easily gone 11-5 or 12-4. The future is uncertain in Pittsburgh on when Ben Roethlisberger will retire and this issue needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Today, I will be looking at three quarterbacks that could replace Big Ben over the next three years whether it is through free agency or the NFL draft, given Ben retires in one of these upcoming seasons, though it is possible that the Ben does not retire and helps to develop his apprentice.
2021 NFL Offseason- Jameis Winston
Winston and Rothelisberger remind me of one another. Both players are notorious gunslingers which leads to a high-risk high reward payoff. The difference is one is an accomplished two time Super Bowl Winner and the other is trying to find his roots being the backup to Drew Brees.
There were rumors that Winston and Pittsburgh had an interest in one another but it never was more than that. While I think Winston to New Orleans is fine, I feel that learning from Ben and Pittsburgh was a huge missed opportunity. Luckily, Winston signed a one year deal with the Saints which gives the Steelers a second chance at bringing Winston in.
There is a vast amount to like about Winston. His arm is strong, he is mobile, he has great football IQ, and is coachable. However, Winston infamously threw 30 interceptions last season and it seemed that he lost his confidence as the season continued. It was later revealed that Winston suffered a broken thumb throughout the season and he even got LASIK eye surgery this offseason.
Winston does have concerns about his off the field character but in a city like Pittsburgh and surrounded alongside players like Big Ben who has dealt with controversy his entire career, there is no reason to as why Winston would not choose to sign with the Steelers if things do not work out in New Orleans. The biggest issue with signing Winston is that he would more than likely want the starting position which I doubt Rothelisberger would give up.