The quarterback situation of Pittsburgh Steelers is not ideal, we will put it that way. Ben Roethlisberger has uncertainty about his future, and to put it mildly, the Steelers do not have much proven depth on their quarterback depth map.
If Roethlisberger returns, he carries a hefty $ 41 million salary cap. If Roethlisberger retires or is pushed out the door, it will save Steelers about $ 19 million on the salary cap, but hand over the keys to one of the following scenarios:
Mason Rudolph takes over as the appetizer.
Dwayne Haskins proves he’s worthy to start.
The Steelers set up a quarter and start the project from Day 1.
Clearly, the overall course of the Steelers’ quarterback position depends on the decision Roethlisberger faces in the off-season.
But how does the Steelers’ quarterback situation count among that of their peers? Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently ranked the five worst quarterback situations in the 2021 rankings. Where do the Steelers stand? You guessed it … No. 1.
Look at why PFF believes the Steelers have the worst quarterback situation in the NFL;
1. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
2020 QB (s): Ben Roethlisberger
Estimated 2021 space: – $ 21 million
Whether we look at the start of 11-0 or the end point 1-5, Ben Roethlisberger is not performing as well compared to his peers. He played just one game with a PFF grade above 80.0 on the year and finished the season with a score of 69.0 (24th). His strike in the field was not consistent, as he scored the sixth worst pass rate when he aimed the sticks. He and the Steelers were dependent on receivers playing after the catches and on to the third down.
There were signs that Big Ben was deteriorating in 2018 when he achieved a pass rate of 75.2, and he was seen alone in 2019 before having an elbow injury. In other words, we can see it coming.
BEST CASE SCENARIO: Say goodbye to Roethlisberger and concentrate on a rebuild, while shooting at a quarterback like Kyle Trask or Jamie Newman on Day 2 of the 2021 draft in 2021
There really is not a dazzling best case for Pittsburgh’s quarterback dilemma. According to Steel Schneider of ESPN, the Steelers capital and draft capital will not be ideal, and Roethlisberger is likely to return for the 2021 season. The best thing to do in this situation is to separate from Big Ben and start rebuilding while going on a quarterback on Day 2 of the 2021 Draft NFL Draft. On the bright side, they can still do the latter, even if Roethlisberger returns.
Florida’s Kyle Trask is one of two options the Steelers could consider in April. He’s not a perfect quarterback forwards – which is why he’s a Day 2 player – but Trask marks the accuracy box with flying flags. The biggest concern with him is his ability, or lack thereof, to make NFL throws across the middle of the field and his slow processing and playing ability outside of structure.
Jamie Newman is another option on Day 2 and is only in the series because he is a complete game card. He was supposed to be the starting lineup for the Georgia Bulldogs this season after transferring from Wake Forest, but he decided to quit because of COVID-19. We believed Newman could have a major breakthrough in 2020 due to an up-tempo, RPO-heavy offense at Wake to a more pro-style group with Todd Monken in Georgia. But the quarterback could never prove that was the case.
Newman’s accuracy, touch and ball placement was tremendous at Wake in 2019, and it helped him stand just behind Joe Burrow in the Power Five in the in-depth grade. He made the most of a bad situation with the attack of Demon Deacons, who also leaned too much on him in the run. Newman athletics is special, but his arm talent is even better. He also had to throw in a tight window at the highest rate in the FBS in 2019 due to the offense and the lack of separation, but he still managed to once again stand just behind Burrow in the pass rate with ‘ a close window. He is a high risk and high reward.
SUCCESSFUL SCENARIO: To keep Roethlisberger around
Roethlisberger plans to return to Pittsburgh by 2021. This, in turn, will result in a $ 41.25 million cap for the Steelers, who are already in the salary cap. If he were to retire – whether forced or not – Pittsburgh would still take $ 22.25 million as a deadlock, but would keep $ 19 million off the hook. None of them look likely at this point, so Big Ben looks like he’s going to stay on the Steelers list for 2021 and make up nearly a quarter of the salary cap.
This is the worst case scenario for Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation and the most likely at this point. That, of course, is not good for the Steelers in 2021 and beyond.
After reading it, do you tend to agree with PFF’s analysis of the Steelers’ quarterback situation? Before you judge, look at the top 5 worst situations:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago Bears
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Washington Soccer Team
5. New England Patriots
It should be noted that this article was written just before Steelers Haskins added to their depth chart, but I’m not sure it would have made a big difference. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, and keep an eye on BTSC for the latest news and notes around black and gold as they prepare for the new league year, NFL Free Agency and the NFL Draft in 2021.