The Post-Ben Roethlisberger Era; What’s Next in Pittsburgh
“It’s just been an honor to play with them.”
Following a season-ending 42-21 loss at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger walked off the podium for likely the last time, holding back bundles of emotions behind a universally recognized beard.
Roethlisberger will undoubtedly go down as one of the best quarterbacks in Steelers history, but he looked every bit of his 39-year-old age this season.
Despite Roethlisberger’s regression and diminishing arm strength, Pittsburgh chose to ride with the future Hall of Famer until the very end.
With that being said, it’s now decision time for the Steelers’ front office. When considering all options, it is important to note one trait that head coach Mike Tomlin values in his next signal-caller: mobility.
On that note, let’s take a look at some potential faces under center next season for Pittsburgh.
Current Quarterback Room: Mason Rudoph and Dwayne Haskins
It’s not a glamorous prospect, but the Steelers likely begin the 2022 season with either Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins as the heir apparent to Big Ben.
Rudolph filled in for Roethlisberger while he was on the COVID-19/reserve list in Week 10, an ugly game that resulted in a 16-16 tie against the then-winless Detroit Lions. He finished the game with 242 yards, one touchdown and an interception on 50 pass attempts.
Meanwhile, Haskins has received praise from Steelers’ coaches despite having zero regular season appearances with the team.
Considering the negative buzz surrounding the 2022 rookie quarterback class, it wouldn’t be surprising to see these two serve as bridge options next season while the Steelers search for a long-term plan.
Free Agent Targets: Marcus Mariota, Mitchell Trubisky and Teddy Bridgewater
Following the idea of bringing in a dual-threat quarterback, all three of these options pose a threat with their legs.
Marcus Mariota, the most mobile of the three, has been used by the Raiders primarily as a package player since joining the team in 2020.
In his only extended action with Las Vegas, Mariota flared his potential as both an elite runner and a respectable passer. Against the Chargers in 2020, he threw for 226 yards and a touchdown to go along with 88 yards and another score on the ground.
Mitchell Trubisky has not seen any meaningful time with the Buffalo Bills, but he is only four years removed from a Pro Bowl season with the Chicago Bears.
The former UNC product failed to produce under head coach Matt Nagy, who was recently fired by Chicago. It’s very possible that Trubisky’s struggles with the Bears were related to a poor offensive system, so an affordable deal in free agency could payout in the long run for Pittsburgh.
Teddy Bridgewater would likely be no more than a bridge option, a role that he has become accustomed to. Bridgewater won seven games as a starter this year with the Denver Broncos, his third team in as many years.
Draft Options: Kenny Pickett and Sam Howell
If the Steelers opt to draft their quarterback of the future, Kenny Pickett and Sam Howell would both fit the bill for what the organization is looking for.
Pickett had a phenomenal season for the University of Pittsburgh, throwing for 4319 yards and 42 scores. The 2021 Heisman Trophy finalist flashed great mobility, rushing for an additional 233 yards and 5 scores.
Howell had a down year statistically, passing for less yardage and touchdowns than he did in the two previous seasons. However, he’s one of the biggest dual-threat options in this year’s quarterback class, as shown by his 828 yards on the ground in 2021.
With excellent arm strength and speed, Howell may have more tools to work with than Pickett. Either way, Pittsburgh has shown interest in both signal-callers and could take a chance on one of them in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Grant Sheets is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email gcs5231@psu.edu.
