4 realistic quarterback options for Steelers in 2021 if Ben Roethlisberger retires

The Steelers could be looking for their next quarterback soon. Here are four realistic options if Ben Roethlisberger retires.

It hasn’t even been a week since the Steelers were thrashed by the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, but already we are seeing that some big changes could be underway this offseason. Mike Tomlin addressed the media in his annual post-season press conference on Wednesday afternoon, and he was very vague about which players and staff members would be returning to the team in 2021.

One of the names that were mentioned was Ben Roethlisberger. Last year at this time, Tomlin assured the media that Roethlisberger would be returning, but he did not make that abundantly clear in his recent press conference. It has been rumored (though not yet confirmed) that Maurkice Pouncey would be retiring this offseason, and there is a chance that Big Ben could call it quits with him.

After finishing the season with just 1 win in the final 6 games (counting the playoffs) Roethlisberger could legitimately hang up his cleats this offseason. If that proves to be the case, here are four quarterbacks who could realistically start for the Steelers in 2021:

Matt Stafford

This one seems like a pipe dream, but it’s really not that far out of reach. In fact, if Ben retired, I would almost expect the Steelers to make a play for him. The Lions are looking for a new general manager, and it’s been reported that Matthew Stafford could be dealt as they look to rebuild the team. What better landing spot for him than the Pittsburgh Steelers who already have a solid roster and a good defense?

For this to happen, Roethlisberger must retire, as the Steelers quarterback is set to cost Pittsburgh $41.25 million against the cap in 2021. With most of that money off the books, Pittsburgh could offer a respectably draft choice to land Stafford, who still has three years remaining on his deal at a very reasonable cost.