Steelers' Quarterback Quest: A Decade of Missed Opportunities and New Beginnings
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue their search for a long-term quarterback, a journey marked by blunders and missed opportunities since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. Their struggles were highlighted during the 2026 NFL Draft, where an ironic moment occurred as Terry Bradshaw and Roethlisberger embraced, symbolizing the team's ongoing quest for stability at the quarterback position. Despite efforts to secure a successor, the Steelers remain in limbo, particularly as they await decisions from Aaron Rodgers, who is contemplating his future at 42. To bolster their options, they drafted Drew Allar with the 85th overall pick, though Roethlisberger expressed skepticism about the choice, favoring Will Howard instead. This move ignites a new competition for the starting role. Key moments in the Steelers' quarterback saga include: 2018: The Steelers passed on Lamar Jackson, opting for safety Terrell Edmunds instead, later drafting Mason Rudolph, who failed to establish himself as a starter. 2020: The promotion of Matt Canada as offensive coordinator led to mixed results, with Roethlisberger often disregarding his game plan. 2021: Following Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers signed Mitch Trubisky and drafted Kenny Pickett. Pickett showed promise but struggled under Canada’s predictable offense. The 2023 season proved pivotal; after firing Canada, the Steelers saw improvement under interim coaching. However, injuries and inconsistent performances led to further reshuffling. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were brought in, but neither provided the stability hoped for, culminating in another playoff exit. With Mike McCarthy now at the helm, the Steelers appear committed to finding a long-term solution at quarterback, focusing on developing young talents like Allar and Howard. The franchise’s future hinges on learning from past mistakes and establishing a new era of success.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-29