Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Certain That The Lack Of Offensive Talent Overrides Any Quarterback Change

The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again facing a quarterback dilemma. The season ended disappointingly, as they exited the playoffs in the first round yet again, despite bringing in a veteran quarterback. They brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during the 2024 offseason, both on one-year deals, and it seems unlikely that both will stay in the Steel City next season.  

Wilson suffered a calf injury before the start of training camp, which opened the door for Fields, allowing him to lead the team for the first six games. When Head Coach Mike Tomlin decided to stick to his original plan of starting Wilson once he was healthy, many thought he was crazy. They felt that Fields could be the future of the team. However, Wilson's initial success won many over as he helped get the team to 10-3 before they all crashed and burned. 

That leaves the question of who makes the most sense for 2025. Should they bring back Wilson and hope that he and the offense will be able to gel? Should they trust that Fields can grow into the consistent quarterback they need? Tomlin has not ruled anything out. For his part, Wilson has shared his desire to return to Pittsburgh, saying he loves the team and the city. There have also been names from the outside floated as possibilities, including Aaron Rodgers. 

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently broke down the options on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. He said that he doesn't believe Rodgers is the answer because there is a more significant issue than just the quarterback: the offense lacks talent. 

"Do you think you are just a quarterback away?" Asked Roethlisberger. "Then you go and try to find a quarterback that you think can take you over the top now. He would have to learn a new system. I don't know that he has anybody to throw the ball to. We've talked about this all year. We don't have a second receiver, and is George [Pickens] even going to be here?"

Wide receiver George Pickens has been a talking point since they drafted him in the second round in 2022. He was known for his erratic behavior as much as his star potential at the University of Georgia. The hope was that under the leadership of a professional offense, Pickens would get in line. However, his supposed role model, Diontae Johnson, was also known to be a diva. When Johnson was traded after 2023, Pickens needed to rise to the occasion as the top receiver on the team, but instead, he engaged in fights with opponents, taunted fans, and has at times been restrained by teammates.

Roethlisberger said keeping Pickens for 2025 would not "be high on his priority list." However, he is concerned about the lack of playmakers on the offense. He believes they need to seek another elite receiver, regardless of what they decide about Pickens. If they choose to move on from him, he hopes the team will sign a strong veteran and draft a stud with their first-round pick in 2025. 

Did Steelers' Russell Wilson Burn Bridges In Pittsburgh?

Once the losses began at the end of the season, questions began to come up about Wilson and his relationship with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. There were worries that Wilson wasn't allowed to fully control the line of scrimmage because of Smith. 

Now rumors are out that the two have not been getting along for some time. Smith apparently preferred Fields to Wilson, and while the two worked together closely, they never developed a strong relationship. It is possible that the breakdown in their relationship impacted the team's success as the season wore on. 

Do you agree that the quarterback is less of a factor because the offense lacks talent? Click to comment below. 

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