5 quarterbacks the Steelers could start if Big Ben retires

Mason Rudolph

While all of the names have a chance to end up as a Steelers starting quarterback, the leader of the pack is Mason Rudolph. If Roethlisberger were to announce his retirement today, the Steelers would likely label Rudolph their starter tomorrow. The team likes what they have in him, and given the fact he is on the final year of his rookie deal, it could be high time for him to prove he can be a starter at the NFL level.

While success isn’t a sure thing with him, he did show a lot of promise in his lone start this season. If he can build off that with a new offensive coordinator and a hopefully improved running game, Rudolph could progress to the point where he is a viable starter. Even if he doesn’t the Steelers don’t have much to lose. He could fall flat on his face which would allow for the team to gain a better draft pick and target a quarterback the following year.

Given the fact he is entering his fourth year with the team, Rudolph is the clear favorite quarterback to stream if Roethlisberger retires. He knows the playbook and is well entrenched on the team. While his potential isn’t too high, he flashed enough this year to at least deserve a chance. Like it or not, Roethlisberger retiring will lead to Rudolph starting in 2021.

While streaming a quarterback is never the desired option, the Steelers may be forced to try it this season. It will all be dependent on what Roethlisberger decides to do, but if he opts to retire, the team at least has options going forward. While none of the above options are likely franchise guys, they could be serviceable for a year or two as the team attempts to draft their successor.