Ben Roethlisberger argues against Steelers drafting QB: 'He's Probably gonna look like poo'

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger retired in January 2022. Four years later, Pittsburgh is still in search of its long-term successor to Roethlisberger.

Typically, the best way to find a franchise quarterback is through the NFL Draft. It’s how the Steelers landed Roethlisberger, who won two Super Bowls in the Steel City. But for where the team is at currently, Roethlisberger says Pittsburgh should pass on selecting a quarterback “for at least two to three years.” A lot of teams build around the quarterback; Roethlisberger believes Pittsburgh should build the team first.

“I would not draft a quarterback for at least two to three years. That’s just my opinion,” Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin podcast. “The issue that I see with a lot of teams is they get a quarterback and they try and build around that quarterback. I think it should be the other way around. I think you should build a team and put your quarterback in it.

“It happened to me. [The Steelers] had a great football team. They plugged me in. We had a veteran group. It just works. It works better than trying to grab a quarterback and be, ‘OK, we’re gonna build around this quarterback.’ Because then it’s gonna take you four or five years to build around that quarterback. He’s probably gonna look like poo up to it and then you’re like, ‘Is he really our guy? Is he not our guy?'”

Steelers have major question mark at QB position

Whether via the draft, free agency or trade, it’s quite apparent that Pittsburgh will need a quarterback this offseason. The expectation is that Aaron Rodgers will retire and even if he returns, is 42 years old. The only other quarterbacks on the roster are longtime backup Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard.

The Steelers own the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. If Roethlisberger was in charge, he wouldn’t use the pick on a quarterback. In his belief, the best course of action would be to give Howard a shot in 2026.

“If Aaron’s not in the scenario, I would go with Will Howard this year,” Roethlisberger said. “… I love his heart, his fire, I think he is Pittsburgh. I think he’s tough, he’s gritty, he’s going to get you what you want. Could be completely wrong, but I think you have a guy in there.

“Do I think Will Howard is a top 10 quarterback of all time, like by the time he’s done? Maybe, probably not. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be a top five guy in the league for numerous years. Or a top 10 guy. And that guy can get you Super Bowls. … I think you should give Will Howard a shot, for like two to three years.”

Howard did not take a snap as a rookie. His last action on a football field was leading Ohio State to a College Football Playoff National Championship Game win over Notre Dame.