5 quarterbacks the Steelers could start if Big Ben retires

Ryan Fitzpatrick

While it seems like Ryan Fitzpatrick has played on almost every team in the NFL, he has yet to be on a Steelers roster. If Roethlisberger was to retire, Fitzpatrick is a logical choice to be brought in. He is a happy medium between Flacco and Trubisky: he is old enough where his contract won’t be that high but talented enough that he could lead this offense to an ok season. Meanwhile, the Steelers could look to find a potential successor in the draft next year after a year of Fitzpatrick starting.

To be blunt, it is nearly impossible to make a streaming quarterbacks list without Fitzpatrick as that is how he has carved out such a long career in the NFL. He has never been a starter for long term, but he does a great job of filling for a few years as a team transitions to a new quarterback. He did that this year with the Dolphins and has done it for most teams over the course of his career.

Obviously, Fitzpatrick has no long-term starting potential, but to stream him for a year or two could while a younger option learns the ropes could do the Steelers wonders. As well, as evident by his solid play this year, Fitzpatrick can still play well. There isn’t any reason to believe his above-average play stops if he comes to the Steelers. He would have a decent line and a plethora of passing weapons. While it would be unlikely, the Steelers very well could compete for a wildcard spot with Fitzpatrick leading the way.