When Ben Roethlisberger announces his retirement, it will come as a shock to no one.
Big Ben knows it's time, Steelers fans know it's time, and the Steelers themselves know it's time.
Head coach Mike Tomlin wasn't breaking any news on Tuesday when he told reporters the Steelers are operating under the assumption that their franchise QB, who completed his 18th season with the team and turns 40 years old in March, will be riding off into the sunset.
In wake of that development, Tomlin said the team is looking for “quarterback development” in the future.
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The Steelers currently have backup quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins on their roster.
Ruduloph, who has been with the franchise since 2018 and served as the Steelers' primary back-up since 2019, is under contract through 2022. He is projected to earn just over $4 million next season. In 17 games, Rudolph has 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, a 61.5 completion percentage, and 2,366 passing yards. He is 5–4–1 in the 10 games he started for the Steelers over three seasons.
Haskins, originally Drafted No. 15 overall by Washington, was signed last offseason by Pittsburgh after a tumultous two-year stint in the nation's capitol He did not see the playing field in 2021. He will be a restricted free agent this offseason.
Are either of them in-line to succeed Big Ben?
“They’ll have to prove that,” Tomlin told reporters.
"Not only in the team development process but through playing. They’ll be given an opportunity to establish themselves.”
In the Steelers quest for their next QB, Tomlin reiterated that, "quarterback mobility is valued."
Neither Rudolph nor Haskins are perceived to be dual-threat quarterbacks.
So, if Tomlin and the Steelers are not satisifed with either of their back-ups to be elevated into a full-time role, what is the team's next move?
The NFL Draft?
Free Agency?
Trade?
Here’s a look at their options and top candidates.
NFL Draft
If the Steelers were to trade up in the Draft, one target they could heavily consider would be Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral.
Along with throwing for 3,349 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2021, Corral rushed 152 times for 614 yards and 11 scores.
Corral is widely projected to be a top-10 pick in next year’s draft, so Pittsburgh would have to find a way to move up and select him.
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Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, who played in Heinz Field with the Panthers, could also be a top choice for Pittsburgh. He ranked in the top-10 in passing yards (4,319) and touchdowns (42) this past season and also rushed 97 times for 241 yards and five touchdowns.
It is uncertain if Pittsburgh will move up in the draft to take a quarterback. But given the prowess of those two signal-callers, they would be the top targets for the Steelers.
Free Agency or Trade
The Steelers currently have Rudolph under contract for one more season, though Haskins will be a restricted free agent this summer. Will they go after another quarterback in free agency or via trade?
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It will be challenging. Russell Wilson is a player who may be on the trade block, though Pittsburgh would likely have to give up several first-rounders in order to get him.
No matter what the Steelers do, it is unlikely they will move on from Rudolph or Haskins, according to NFL.com insider Ian Rapoport. Pittsburgh does not plan to move toward a big-name free agent, according to this report, or draft a signal-caller in the first round, indicating they are pleased with their backups.
What will Roethlisberger do?
Although he has not officially hung up his cleats, Roethlisberger heavily indicated after the Steelers’ 42-21 wild-card loss to the Chiefs on Sunday he may do so.
"It's tough, but I'm proud to play with these guys," Roethlisberger said. "God has blessed me with the ability to throw a football and has blessed me to play in the greatest city, in Pittsburgh, with the greatest fans and the greatest football team and players. It has just truly been a blessing. I'm so thankful to him for giving me this opportunity."
Roethlisberger has had a terrific career for the Steelers, winning two Super Bowl championships and being selected to the Pro Bowl six times. He also led the league in passing yards in 2014 and 2018 and was valued for his durability, playing at least 12 regular-season games in all but one of his 18 seasons.
If the Steelers and Roethlisberger part ways, it will be the end of a great era with the franchise. Whoever replaces him will have big shoes to fill.
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