Ben Roethlisberger is urging the Pittsburgh Steelers to take a patient approach at quarterback, advising the franchise to prioritize mentoring and roster-building rather than rushing into another major move under center.
With Aaron Rodgers’ future in Pittsburgh uncertain, the former Steelers quarterback said the team should consider bringing the veteran back for another season if possible, primarily to help develop 24-year-old Will Howard.
Speaking on Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the two-time Super Bowl champion emphasized continuity and preparation over urgency.
Roethlisberger said Rodgers returning for one more year would allow Howard to grow while serving as the team’s No. 2 quarterback, gaining experience through preseason reps and day-to-day exposure.
If Rodgers opts to move on, Roethlisberger believes Howard should be allowed to lead the offense.
The best option for Pittsburgh is veteran quarterbacks
He also suggested that, in Rodgers’ absence, the Steelers should supplement the quarterback room with low-cost veteran options capable of stabilizing the position if injuries or inconsistency arise.
Roethlisberger cited players such as Marcus Mariota or Carson Wentz as potential insurance while Howard continues to develop.
The former quarterback pointed to Howard’s production at Ohio State, where the sixth-round pick threw for more than 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns while completing over 73 percent of his passes in his final season. Still, Roethlisberger cautioned that NFL success requires patience and the right environment.
Why doesn’t Roethlisberger want a rookie for the Steelers?
Roethlisberger strongly discouraged Pittsburgh from drafting a quarterback in the near future, arguing the organization should focus instead on building a complete roster before identifying a long-term starter.
“The issue I see with a lot of teams is they get a quarterback and try to build around that quarterback,” Roethlisberger said. “I think it should be the other way around.”
As the Steelers navigate uncertainty at the game’s most important position, Roethlisberger’s message was clear: build the team first, develop from within, and avoid rushing a decision that could set the franchise back.
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