Steelers Encouraged To Bring Back Former QB Amidst Offseason Questions

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the many teams across the NFL that have some sort of issue at quarterback. The franchise is waiting on a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers on whether or not he wants to continue his playing career, and the consensus is that he would return to the Steelers if he did want to keep playing. The organization also has Mason Rudolph and Will Howard already under contract for the 2026 season, and there is a chance that starting a player like Howard might be Plan B for the franchise -- if Rodgers does indeed decide to hang it up.

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been very open in saying that he would welcome Rodgers back for another season. He has also been optimistic about Howard, and he is looking forward to seeing what he can do if presented with an opportunity. Roethlisberger was on the Deebo & Joe show on Tuesday, and he was speaking on the current quarterback situation. He was asked about the team potentially drafting a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he had an alternative idea.

"I don't think the Steelers should draft a quarterback early in this draft by any means," Roethlisberger said. "If you wanna try to grab one in the fourth round, or just somewhere, just to add someone -- here's something that I would consider that happened recently: Josh Dobbs, just got released by New England. I would strongly, again, this is without Aaron, if he decides not to come back, I would love to bring a veteran guy in like Dobbs who's been here. Obviously a new system, not the same coaching staff, but bring a veteran guy in, because I'm a big Will Howard fan. I would love to give Will Howard a chance."

Josh Dobbs was serving as the backup quarterback to Drake Maye for the New England Patriots during the 2025 season. He has had two stints in Pittsburgh, and has had some success elsewhere as a spot-starter. New England announced earlier this week that Dobbs would be released, and that gives Pittsburgh the opportunity to bring him in.

This would only really work if Rodgers did decide to retire, and it is fair to assume that Roethlisberger just suggested this so that Howard would have a relatively clear path towards being the starter. Both Dobbs and Rudolph can be considered reliable backups, but neither has proven that they can be a starter in the NFL. They have each underperformed in that spot several times, so neither would be a real threat to Howard if he were to obtain the starting role. 

Having both Dobbs and Rudolph in the room with Howard would be beneficial as neither player poses as a true threat to his position, and both players have plenty of experience as backups. The knowledge in that room would be exactly what Howard would need to have success as a starter. Potentially bringing in Dobbs seems like a good idea, but it is all going to depend on what Rodgers decides he wants to do.

Steelers Will Need A Decision From Aaron Rodgers Soon

Pittsburgh has not given Rodgers a deadline to make his decision, but is fair to assume that the organization should be expecting one soon. If he is coming back, that will be fine, but if he is not, the organization needs to be able to make the appropriate moves to set the quarterback room up for success in 2026, like potentially bringing back Dobbs. 

The former Steelers quarterback was kind of critical of the way things were run in Pittsburgh during his first two stints with the team, but under a new coaching staff, he may be open to reuniting.

What do you think about the Steelers bringing back Dobbs? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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