5 realistic veteran quarterback options for Steelers after Ben Roethlisberger

2. Cam Newton

The 32-year-old Cam Newton has been untimely discarded by two franchises in the last two off seasons. Newton maintains that he has a lot of quality football left in him and is still on the market halfway through the season.

Last season with the New England Patriots, Newton rushed for 12 touchdowns and in three preseason appearances this year, Newton was a crisp 14-of-21 on passes for 162 yards and one touchdown.

Newton doesn’t have much-negotiating leverage, so Pittsburgh should be able to get him on a team-friendly deal. Although they could sign him now, it’s unlikely, because that would mean moving on from Roethlisberger in the middle of the season.

The contract situation makes the gamble on Newton a low risk, high reward move. If things go well, the Steelers get a locker room leader in a veteran quarterback that has seen the highs of this league and has still recently flashed the ability to be productive. If it doesn’t work out, it just means the team spent very little money on a bridge quarterback.