5 stopgap QB options for Steelers if Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t come back

Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton is the free-agent stopgap option that every Steelers fan is going to want to write off right away, and I can understand why. We’ve seen enough of Dalton during his days with the Cincinnati Bengals to know that he’s not a quarterback who is going to take you to the top. However, if the Steelers want a cheap option for the 2021 season who knows what he’s doing, Dalton could be their guy.

The polished veteran is already very familiar with the AFC North and could be looking for a shot at redemption on a few of the teams that beat up on him from 2016 to 2019. Unfortunately, there isn’t much upside to be had here. Dalton will turn 34 years old during the season and his overall skill set is very average.

Still, the Steelers could value his game experience, and while he was just 4-5 as a starter for the Cowboys last year, he showed that he is capable of keeping his team in games. With a better defense perhaps that’s enough to give Pittsburgh a chance at a respectable season.

If the Steelers really are not able to come to terms on an extension that would lower Ben Roethlisberger’s cap hit, these four free-agents – along with Mason Rudolph – could be options for Pittsburgh at the quarterback position in 2021.