The 2020-2021 NFL season has been mixed for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to one question, will Ben Roethlisberger retire? While Roethlisberger has led his team to an 11-3 record; however, issues have arisen within his play. Years of wear and tear are starting to show, with his latest elbow surgery affecting his throwing power. Noticeably, the offense has been built around short throws to receivers, more than the usual long passes. The lack of a running game has also forced Roethlisberger into completing a higher percentage of throws, worsening his arm. If these are signs that Roethlisberger may be nearing the end of his career, then Steelers brass will need to look for a replacement through free agency or trade.
What the Pittsburgh Steelers Can Do At Quarterback Should Ben Roethlisberger Retire
Free Agency
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott is a very interesting case. All signs point to him returning to the Dallas Cowboys; however, Jerry Jones has played hardball with him during contract negotiations. Prescott has all the leadership qualities you can want in a quarterback and his highly respected in the locker room. When Prescott talked openly about his mental health issues, he became a symbol of strength for other players dealing with similar issues. In five years with Dallas Cowboys, Prescott has amassed a record of 42-27 with 106 touchdowns at a completion rate 0f 66%. Suffering a gruesome leg injury set Prescott back this year; however, his leadership qualities would be a smooth transition into the Steelers locker room.
Josh Rosen
Josh Rosen is very much a boom or bust option. After being a part of four professional NFL teams (recently just signed by the 49ers), time is ticking on Rosen. Rosen is tricky, as he was selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and numerous reports were very high on him. With a system run by Mike Tomlin, Rosen gains stability and young weapons around him to develop with. The Steelers would use Rosen in one of two ways; as a transition for a drafted quarterback, or as a number one if he reaches his potential.
Jameis Winston
One of the most intriguing yet polarizing options is Jameis Winston, who is currently understudying under Drew Brees. With Taysom Hill looking to be Drew Brees’ successor; however, Winston may not want to remain in a backup role. Winston is famous for being the first member of the 30-30 club in 2019. Although not playing too many games for the Saints, Winston should’ve learned under Brees and Payton and improved his decision making and passing ability. Being only 26; however, is an advantage for the Steelers with Winston fitting the same role as Rosen would. Winston has all the ability in the world, he just needs to work on his poise and composure when making decisions.
Trade
Sam Darnold
With the Jets either having the first or second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, they will most undoubtedly select a quarterback. This leaves Sam Darnold in no man’s land, as the former third overall pick would be a backup/transitional player. It is hard to get a read on Darnold’s ceiling, with the dysfunction in the Jets organization plus his injury history. However. the 23-year-old quarterback could flourish, ala Ryan Tannehill, with a completely new team and a new system. Darnold, in three years with the Jets, has 42 touchdowns with a completion % of 59.8 for 7,656 yards. Considering the Jets only had a winning record under Darnold for one of those three years, those numbers are respectable. Place that quarterback in a solidly built team with an experienced head coach and those numbers would flourish. If Darnold can stay healthy, he might be the future of the Steelers.
Ben Roethlisberger is a surefire Hall of Famer. If he decides to retire then he will have had a full career of major accomplishments. The Steelers will have many options to pursue for the future of their quarterback position.
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