For less than the second time in franchise historical past, the Pittsburgh Steelers might quickly be tasked with the project of attempting to switch a future Corridor of Fame quarterback. The Steelers did it as soon as earlier than in 1984 following the retirement of two Tremendous Bowl MVP and former league MVP Terry Bradshaw. They could must do it once more this offseason with Ben Roethlisberger reportedly telling coaches and former teammates that he anticipates this being his remaining yr with the franchise. 

Roethlisberger didn’t deny or affirm these experiences following Sunday’s 20-19 victory. However based mostly on the experiences in addition to the truth that he has no contract past this season, there’s a superb probability Roethlisberger is presently writing the ultimate chapter on his adorned profession with the black and gold. 

The Steelers have three paths to select from within the occasion that Roethlisberger isn’t a part of the staff in 2022. They may reward Mason Rudolph’s persistence and provides him an opportunity to win the beginning job popping out of coaching camp. They may signal a gifted veteran who may are available in and preserve the Steelers within the dialog for the playoffs or perhaps a championship. Or, they might draft a quarterback within the first spherical for the primary time since choosing Roethlisberger with the eleventh general decide again in 2004. 

Whereas Roethlisberger and the Steelers proceed to give attention to the current, listed below are seven viable choices to be Roethlisberger’s successor for the 2022 season. 

Why this may occasionally occur: Regardless of not too long ago turning 38, Rodgers continues to play at an exceptionally excessive degree. The reigning league MVP is in the midst of one other sterling season that features a 9-2 report as Inexperienced Bay’s beginning quarterback. Rodgers expressed his appreciation for Steelers coach Mike Tomlin earlier than and after the Packers‘ Week 4 win over the Steelers. Rodgers additionally spoke extremely of the Pittsburgh space. 

If the cash is true (Rodgers would probably have to simply accept an identical contract to the one Tom Brady signed with Tampa Bay in 2020), the addition of Rodgers would preserve the Steelers within the dialog as a playoff and doable Tremendous Bowl contender. Pittsburgh has good offensive weapons that features a rising star in Diontae Johnson and a rookie operating again in Najee Harris. He could be accomplished by a protection that features perennial Professional Bowlers in Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Rodgers would even have one among NFL‘s most dependable kickers in Chris Boswell. The offensive line wants some work, however the unit has largely achieved job defending Roethlisberger over the previous two months. 

Why this may occasionally not occur: This situation would first require Rodgers to depart Inexperienced Bay. If Rodgers leaves, there is a good probability that he’ll need to proceed to play with Davante Adams. Whereas the Steelers definitely would not thoughts making room for Adams, each gamers’ salaries would probably create issues for Pittsburgh’s wage cap; to make it occur, the Steelers would probably must half with a number of gifted gamers. 

2. Kenny Pickett

Why this may occasionally occur: Steelers founder Artwork Rooney stated that his largest skilled remorse was not choosing former Pitt standout Dan Marino within the first spherical of the 1983 NFL Draft. With that in thoughts, Rooney’s grandson, Steelers president Artwork Rooney II, could also be inclined to have his staff choose the Panthers‘ present quarterback within the 2022 draft. 

Pickett, who handed Marino for first on the Panthers’ profession landing move listing throughout Pitt’s ACC Championship Recreation victory over Wake Forest, is arguably the very best quarterback prospect within the draft. Alongside together with his gaudy passing statistics, Pickett has good mobility that might certainly be utilized in Matt Canada’s offense. Pickett would even be on a rookie wage, which might give the Steelers extra flexibility within the wage cap. 

Why this may occasionally not occur: This Steelers might resolve to make use of free company to amass their subsequent quarterback whereas utilizing the draft to deal with different wants, particularly on the offensive line, cornerback and inside linebacker. Pittsburgh would additionally must be in place to pick out Pickett, as our CBS Sports activities NFL Draft specialists have Pickett going as excessive as No. 7 and as little as No. 13 within the first spherical. The Steelers presently have the 18th decide within the draft. But when they’re in place to draft him, it is onerous to see Pittsburgh passing on one other prolific Pitt passer. 

Why this may occasionally occur: Wilson has a possible out in his contract after this yr. Given prior experiences that he had thought-about leaving the Seahawks final offseason, it is definitely cheap to anticipate that Wilson might be contemplating his choices once more this offseason with Seattle within the midst of a disappointing season. 

At 33, Wilson stays within the prime of his profession. He was a Professional Bowler every of the previous 4 years and a critical MVP candidate the earlier two seasons. Whereas he has missed three video games this season after sustaining a hand damage, Wilson didn’t miss a recreation throughout the first 9 years of his profession. If he indicators with the Steelers, it is simple to see Wilson being Pittsburgh’s quarterback for the following 5-7 years, not less than. And whereas he would not run as a lot as he used to, Wilson nonetheless has loads of mobility which might assist develop Matt Canada’s offense. 

Why this may occasionally not occur: Like Rodgers, this is able to rely upon Wilson deciding to depart Seattle. In contrast to Rodgers, Wilson is in his early 30s and could be in search of one other large payday. The Steelers produce other urgent contracts to maintain within the quick time period future (Minkah Fitzpatrick and Diontae Johnson amongst them), so Pittsburgh probably will not get right into a bidding warfare for Wilson or any veteran quarterback. 

4. Matt Corral 

Why this may occasionally occur: Many analysts view Corral as the very best quarterback prospect within the 2022 draft. Over the previous two seasons at Ole Miss, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound quarterback has thrown for 49 touchdowns in opposition to 18 interceptions and has accomplished over 69% of his throws. Alongside together with his success via the air, Corral has scored 11 touchdowns on the bottom this season and has confirmed to be a authentic menace as a runner. 

Why this may occasionally not occur: Corral has been projected to be taken as excessive as No. 3 and as little as No. 13 within the draft, so there’s an excellent probability that he will not be accessible when the Steelers are on the clock. Past that, Corral’s dimension (he is listed at 6-foot-1 and 205 kilos) and questions relating to his arm power may presumably result in the Steelers selecting one other quarterback in the event that they ready to decide on between Corral, Pickett and the following quarterback on our listing. 

5. Malik Willis 

Why this may occasionally occur: Probably the most versatile quarterback on this yr’s draft, the Auburn switch has discovered success whereas quarterbacking Liberty over the previous two seasons. Alongside together with his 44 landing passes over that span, Willis has rushed for 1,768 yards and 25 touchdowns. His success throughout the 2020 season helped Liberty put up a 10-1 report and top-20 nationwide end. Willis would add a dimension to the Steelers’ offense that has been lacking over the previous a number of years. 

Why this may occasionally not occur: Willis is presently projected as being a mid-to-late first-round decide, so there’s an opportunity that he’s not accessible when the Steelers are on the board. And whereas the Steelers desire a quarterback with mobility, they could select to go together with a quarterback with stronger passing numbers. 

6. Mason Rudolph 

Why this may occasionally occur: Beneath contact via the 2022 season, Rudolph can have 4 years and not less than 10 profession begins below his belt. The 26-year-old has at occasions flashed the potential the Steelers noticed in him after they chosen him within the third spherical in 2018. He went 5-3 as a starter when Roethlisberger went down with a season-ending damage in 2019. In arguably his most spectacular outing, Rudolph threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 2020 common season finale in opposition to a Cleveland staff that wanted a win to make the playoffs. He performed properly sufficient to place the Steelers in place to beat the Lions earlier than two fumbles in extra time compelled Pittsburgh to accept a tie. Rudolph can also be an inexpensive choice that may worst case can provide the Steelers a yr to determine their longterm answer at quarterback. 

Why this may occasionally not occur: Given the truth that the Steelers need to compete for Vince Lombardi trophies every season, Rudolph won’t be Pittsburgh’s beginning quarterback if he doesn’t have the whole confidence of the entrance workplace and training workers. If the Steelers really feel that there’s a higher quarterback for the job, Rudolph will spend one other season as a backup. But when the Steelers are assured in Rudolph’s capacity to presumably lead the to a division or Tremendous Bowl championship, he’ll lastly get his probability to show it in 2022. 

7. Carson Sturdy 

Why this may occasionally occur: If Pickett, Corral and Willis are off the board, an alternative choice for the Steelers within the draft could possibly be Sturdy. Sturdy was tabbed by CBS Sports activities NFL Draft knowledgeable Ryan Wilson because the Steelers’ first-round decide in his most up-to-date mock draft. 

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Sturdy has put up prolific numbers this his final two seasons at Nevada, with 63 touchdowns and simply 12 interceptions over that span. Sturdy has led Nevada to a 15-6 report over that span that features two wins this season over Energy 5 faculties. Given the truth that Roethlisberger got here from the Mid-American Convention, the truth that Sturdy performed within the Mountain West probably will not be the figuring out think about whether or not or not the Steelers draft him. 

Why this may occasionally not occur: Whereas his arm power, downfield accuracy and talent to make fast choices with the ball have garnered reward, Sturdy isn’t recognized for his mobility, which is one thing the Steelers certainly need extra of from their subsequent beginning quarterback. There are additionally questions on Sturdy’s proper knee after he underwent surgical procedure in February and had the identical knee scoped in August.