It’s an everyday ‘First Call’ for Thursday morning with lots of Pittsburgh Steelers treats.
At least one reporter thinks Ben Roethlisberger will be at Steelers again after 2021. A well-known enemy of the AFC North is looking for work. And one point of sale is that he found a landing spot for Steelers, James Conner.
Also, a highly regarded draft prospect on cornerback feels good about his chances at the Steelers. And another NFL free agent at the position gets job ahead of Steven Nelson.
Two more years! Two more years!
A popular topic on ESPN recently is the idea that the Steelers could field Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement later this month. This would be contrary to the proposed view that the team is willing to give Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins a chance in 2022.
Or that the franchise will take until next year to find a new starting signal caller.
John Clayton, a longtime NFL reporter, does not seem to be in the camp with much of Bristol. He went on 93.7 The Fan Wednesday. Clayton believes that ‘Big Ben’ cannot be done at all after this season.
.@JohnClaytonNFL on @ 937theFan about Steelers setting up a QB: “I think Ben Roethlisberger will play 2 more years [2021 and 2022]. “
– Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) 7 April 2021
“I know he has a one-year contract,” Clayton said. ‘But it is not out of the question that he can sign another contract for one year. I still think he’s going to be there for two years. But during that time, you want to maximize it and you do not want to be like Philadelphia (Jalen Hurts) or Green Bay (Jordan Love), where you take a quarter and let him sit. ‘
I’m not sure how I feel about any of these points. I still think Roethlisberger will be finished after 2021. And I am not opposed to an apprentice having to sit behind the appetizer when the situation is clear.
But Clayton makes another argument that I think is spot on.
‘With five fullbacks taking place in the first round and most of them going pretty high, there is not one quarter you can say the next Ben Roethlisberger is going to be. Maybe (that player) can come in and be the next mason Rudolph – plus a better backup. But no, it’s a concept you’re not going to find that guy. You have to wait until next year’s concept, ”said Clayton.
I’ll get there together. I would rather have the Steelers wait a year to get a quarterback than force a pick in 2021. Wait until next year’s carousel starts to spin and next year’s prospects complement the concept instead of forcing you to take Kellen Mond or Kyle Trask or Mac Jones. because you are planning before 2022.
Elsewhere in ‘First Call’ …
Nothing for Nelson: Another cornerback has a new concert, and it’s not former Steeler Steven Nelson.
Good vibes from Steelers ?: Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. was on CBS Sports’ “All Things Covered” with Bryant McFadden, former Steelers cornerback, and Patrick Peterson, the current Vikings. And he said the Steelers, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns were the teams that gave him the best “vibe” during his Zoom meetings.
Going west young man?: One store thinks the Arizona Cardinals could be a good landing spot for James Conner.
Goodbye Bengal: The Cincinnati Bengals who have been running back for a long time, Gio Bernard has been released. Does anyone see a potential Mewelde Moore who is going to sign for the Steelers here? I do.
Tim Benz is a staff writer for Tribune-Review. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via Twitter. All tweets can be re-posted. Unless otherwise stated, all emails are subject to publication.