Ben Roethlisberger is hanging up his cleats after the 2021 NFL season. Replacing him won’t be easy, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have to move on — here’s how.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have to move on from Ben Roethlisberger after the 2021 NFL season. Big Ben hasn’t made it official, but according to Adam Schefter, the NFL vet is hanging up his cleats after 17 seasons. The former Miami of Ohio signal-caller is one of the most decorated players in Steelers history. He’s made six Pro Bowls and helped the team to win over 160 games while also capturing Championships for two different coaches.
When it’s all said and done, Big Ben is on pace to finish his career 5th all-time in passing yards with over 6,4000 yards through the air. He’s also on pace to finish with 419 passing touchdowns, which is good enough for r6th all time.
Steelers fans were hoping for a repeat of the greatest send-off team history. Hall of Fame Steeler Jerome Bettis retired after winning a title back in 2006. Regardless of how the season ends, there’s a new era on the horizon. Needless to say, whoever steps in for future Hall of Fame quarterback will have big cleats to fill. There are a few directions the Steelers can go to replace Big Ben.
How might the Pittsburgh Steelers replace Ben Roethlisberger in 2022?
5. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
If you haven’t heard of Malik Willis, it’s understandable. Early on, NFL Draft media thought the small school star could become the Trey Lance to the 2022 NFL Draft — he still could be. Willis hasn’t had a perfect season by any means. He’s made a few mistakes, but he also made some amazing plays. What stands out about Willis is his arm strength. He’s confident, almost to a fault, but he has a right to be given how powerful his arm is.
He’s 6-1 215-pounds with good speed, agility, and power. Willis isn’t a statue in the pocket, and he’ll make up for offensive line deficiencies. When things are tight, he’ll escape out the pocket and make teams pay. Willis proved he’s a threat on the ground. Over the last two seasons, Willis combined for 1,764 yards and 25 touchdowns. Imagine what he can do with Najee Harris on RPOs.
Willis is a late first, early second-round prospect who could fall into the Steelers laps. With the weapons at wide receiver, at running back, and the defense, the Steelers can afford to start him right away. There will be some growing pains, but his athleticism, arm talent, and surrounding cast will allow for a promising rookie season.
4. Jameis Winston, QB, New Orleans Saints
Free agency is a way for the Steelers to fill their quarterback position. The biggest free agent at the quarterback position is Jameis Winston. At first glance, it doesn’t wow anyone to see Winston in a Steelers uniform. However, he’d come in as a direct replacement for Big Ben. There are a few similarities between them. For one, Winston has enough pocket athleticism to make guys miss. He’s a heavy load to bring down and will throw when guys are wrapped around him.
When things break down, he has the straight-line athleticism to get the first down. We know what he’s capable of doing with a big target at wide receiver. During his tenure with the Bucs, Winston found Mike Evans down the field. Chase Claypool is similar in terms of size, at 6-4 240-pounds, and he works down the field on vertical routes.
The major concern for Winston is his turnovers, but playing behind Drew Brees with Sean Payton as his coach helped him improve. He hasn’t pressed and shown he’s capable of being careful with the football. Before he got injured, he was one pace for over 28 touchdowns six interceptions. Having a solid running game will help take pressure off Winston.
3. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
Some fans, especially those who follow the NFL Draft, may have Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett as a valuable option. However, the likely hood of that happening is slim. Former Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt spoke to Colin Cowherd about why the Steelers wouldn’t draft Pickett on the Colin Cowherd Podcast.
The former head coach has a point about the disaster it could be if it doesn’t work out. Besides, the Pittsburgh signal-caller won’t be around by the time the Steelers pick. However, there’s a rookie quarterback who’ll fit into Pittsburgh and pick up where Big Ben left off, and that’s Carson Strong.
Anyone who’s had a chance to watch Strong play was treated with some epic clutch play. Because of the ice in his veins and clutch ability, he’s been able to lead Nevada to some jaw-dropping comeback victories. The redshirt junior stands tall at 6-4 215-pounds. He plays with a solid straight-up base and good throwing motion. The Nevada standout received prays for IQ and ability to go through his progressions.
When asked to throw downfield, he’s shown off a strong arm and accuracy. In fact, it’s safe to say he has the best deep ball in the 2022 NFL Draft class. With a player like Chase Claypool, he’ll finally have a receiver he can trust downfield. And an electric guy in Diontae Johnson who’ll make plays after the catch.
He’s not much of a runner, but he has average linear athleticism that allows him to make plays with his leg. With a minicamp under his belt, Strong is a Top 50 prospect who could do similar things to what Mac Jones (Patriots) has done. Maybe the Steelers could call his name on Day 2.
2. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
It’s no secret the 2022 NFL Draft has issues at the quarterback position. There aren’t any top 10 prospects. And it looks as if Kenny Pickett has solidified himself as QB1. If that’s the case, QB2 should go to the signal-caller who helped lead the Bearcats to the 2022 College Football Playoffs.
Desmond Ridder has all the tools teams want in a franchise quarterback. He has arm talent. With his arm power, he’s capable of making throws on every level. Thanks to his athletic traits and arm talent, he can make the off-platform plays fans love to see.
The Bearcat signal-caller can also make plays outside the pocket. He’s a power runner who’ll tuck and run if necessary. The Steelers have a reliable running game with Najee Harris in the backfield. Ridder will help free up space thanks to his ability to run RPOs.
A run-first offense will help usher him as a rookie. Chase Claypool’s amazing catch radius will help minimize Ridder’s mistakes. Diontae Johnson is electric after the catch, which should provide Ridder a solid option underneath, on quick screens. Ridder’s talent and position make him a lock as a Top 20 pick. If the Steelers have a shot at them, they should take it.
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
This is a big fish, one the Pittsburgh Steelers brass could and should opt to push hard for. Rodgers has been disgruntled. He made it clear that 2021 could be his last season with the Packers. Coming to the Steelers could be a perfect match. It’s no secret that head coach Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rogers share a mutual admiration for one another.
Rodgers flirted with the idea of leaving the Packers during the 2021 off-season. He restructured his deal, making him a valuable option for Tomlin and the Steelers. If he’s not satisfied with the franchise, perhaps he looks to end his career with another historical franchise in the Steelers.
Soon as he steps into the locker room, he’ll make the Steelers Super Bowl contenders. He’ll elevate players like Chase Claypool, who would love to have a guy like Rodgers get him the ball on deep routes. On the other side, Dionte Johnson will make big plays out of nothing for the future Hall of Famer. Who knows, with Davante Adams might follow his buddy to the Steel City.
If the Steelers want to replace a future Hall of Famer and breathe new life into the franchise, getting Aaron Rogers does that. However, it may cost them a ton of draft capital.