While there is a litany of options for the Steelers at quarterback next year, one name makes the most sense for the team.
While Ben Roethlisberger’s recent strong play has some fans thinking the veteran may return for one more year, his age and regression really make 2021 seem like it will be his last. That means the team will be on the hunt for a new starting quarterback. While the Steelers do have Mason Rudolph on the roster, his game against the Lions really makes him seem more like a competent backup, not a potential starter.
That means the team will have to look to the draft or free agency to get their new quarterback. What the team seems to be looking for is a relatively athletic quarterback that at a minimum can move in the pocket. In the draft, there are plenty of intriguing options, but no one screams pro-ready. With a plethora of holes on the roster and the numerous reports the team wants a veteran at the helm, I don’t think the Steelers draft their franchise quarterback in 2022.
That leaves free agency as the likely plan for the team. There are set to be quite a few starting quarterbacks on the market, and while some will certainly be resigned, such as top name Jameis Winston, there should be a few quality options to choose from. Of all the names though, one really sticks out as the best fit.
The Steelers should make a push for Mariota
While far from an elite player the Titans were hoping to get when drafted second overall, Marcus Mariota has turned into a decent quarterback that can make the tough pass and more importantly, can make plays on the ground. Mike Tomlin has said numerous times athleticism is important in a quarterback, and Mariota has that in spades.
Will Mariota turn this team into a competitor instantly? No, but he would allow the offense to run more how Matt Canada has in the past. The focus would be on the run game and mixing in some RPO’s and play action. Meanwhile, the Steelers can use their limited draft capital to build on weaknesses. A lineman or two, a receiver, and two defensive backs will be needed to replace likely departures next year. If the team doesn’t have to trade an arm and a leg for a quarterback, it allows them to fill more needs in the draft.
Meanwhile, Mariota has never been a bad player. His decision-making isn’t great and he struggles to progress through reads, but his athleticism and arm talent help compensate for that. A simple game plan with the focus on Najee Harris and Mariota running would be a great fit for the veteran. The Steelers get a guy that can start for a year or two as they build up the rest of the team and Mariota goes to a scheme that seemingly fits him well.
The best part of this is that Mariota should be a relatively cheap option in terms of a free agent. While he will likely look for a starting opportunity, a team isn’t going to break the bank for a quarterback who has attempted 28 passes over the past two seasons and has become more of a gadget runner than anything with the Raiders.
Compare that to a Teddy Bridgewater or Winston, guys that have started and found success with their teams, and Mariota should come in well below that top tier of player. The Steelers should have plenty of cap space to afford Mariota, and as stated before adding him as a free agent gives the team a lot of draft flexibility. It seems like a no-brainer at this point.
Signing him to a reasonable two-year deal gives the team a capable veteran starter and two years to work on rebuilding their offensive line and defense. By that point, the team could afford a trade-up to land a top quarterback prospect in the draft to lead their franchise. Mariota likely won’t lead the team that far past average, but he would give the offense a spark and be able to hold the fort until the team is ready to draft their next quarterback.
While there are some names out there that are better quarterbacks than Mariota, he seems like the best option for the Steelers heading into next year. He would be a good fit in this offense and would allow the team to focus on building up their current weaknesses. Is he a great player? No, but he would serve as a fine transition quarterback for the team and should be one of the best free-agent names for the Steelers.