With Aaron Rodgers firmly established as the starter, the Steelers still have to decide what to do with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar. Roethlisberger believes Pittsburgh should prioritize keeping both young quarterbacks, even if that means taking the unusual step of trying to stash Rudolph on the practice squad.

The problem is that putting Rudolph on the practice squad could be extremely risky. He is an experienced NFL quarterback who has already served as a reliable backup in Pittsburgh, and another team could easily claim him if the Steelers expose him to waivers.

Who should be Steelers’ backup QB?

Speaking on his Footbahlin podcast, Ben Roethlisberger argued that Pittsburgh should do everything possible to prevent losing either Will Howard or Drew Allar while also trying to find a way to keep Mason Rudolph.

“Coach or GM, I’m doing everything I can to keep both of them (Allar and Howard). I don’t think you put either one on practice squad because I think someone will scoop them up. So, you’re either keeping all four or you try to put Mason on practice squad and see if you can find a way to keep him too.”

Roethlisberger’s preferred solution is understandable from a developmental perspective. Both Howard and Allar represent potential long-term options for the Steelers, and losing either young quarterback to another team would be a significant risk. But the veteran quarterback’s suggestion has also created controversy because of his history with Rudolph.

Ben Roethlisberger’s controversial comments on Mason Rudolph

The timing of Ben Roethlisberger’s comments has drawn attention because his relationship with Mason Rudolph was not always viewed as particularly supportive during their time together in Pittsburgh.

Rudolph spent several seasons behind Roethlisberger and had some chances as the Steelers’ starter when injuries affected Big Ben. Their history makes Roethlisberger’s current recommendation particularly interesting, especially because he is now advocating for the Steelers to potentially place Rudolph on the practice squad while protecting the two younger quarterbacks.

Should the Steelers keep four quarterbacks on their roster?

The Steelers could ultimately decide that keeping all four quarterbacks is the safest option, but doing so would come with a significant roster cost. NFL teams generally prefer to carry three quarterbacks because every roster spot becomes increasingly valuable at positions where injuries and depth can quickly become problems.

Keeping Rodgers, Rudolph, Howard and Allar would mean sacrificing a spot that could instead be used on another offensive lineman, defensive player, receiver or special-teams contributor.

At the same time, the Steelers have a unique situation. Rodgers is an aging veteran, Rudolph is an experienced backup, and both Howard and Allar are young quarterbacks with developmental upside.

Putting Rudolph on the practice squad could also backfire immediately. If another team claims him, Pittsburgh would suddenly enter the season with Rodgers backed up by two young quarterbacks who have limited NFL experience. That would be a considerable gamble if Rodgers were to miss time.

“Just like their playoff hopes it ended early before it even started,” the former Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller said on Footbahlin. For Big Ben, it seems the ideal choice would have been Shedeur Sanders to start in Week 1.

The decision to have Watson start the season in the Dawg Pound is based on his experience, as well as the fact that the Browns will play their first two games on the road. Can No. 4 silence the criticism and change the opinions of fans and his peers?

Watson’s first challenges

Playing away from Huntington Bank Stadium could prove beneficial for Deshaun Watson, who was booed by his own fans during the preseason. That will be the case in the first two games, as the Browns travel to South Florida for their opening challenges.

Watson’s team will make its debut on September 13 at EverBank Stadium against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Seven days later, the Browns will head to Raymond James Stadium to face the always-tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Roethlisberger’s history against the Browns

Ben Roethlisberger practically owned the Cleveland Browns during his 18-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, racking up a dominant 26–2–1 record against his AFC North rivals. Big Ben turned Cleveland into his second home, going 11–2–1 on the road and wrapping up his career with more wins in Cleveland than almost any Browns quarterback in that era.

For nearly two decades, whenever Pittsburgh lined up against the Browns with Roethlisberger under center, a win was almost a foregone conclusion. This historic rivalry made the quarterback one of the winningest players in head-to-head matchups in the AFC.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed on X the legends who could finally receive the prestigious gold jacket next year. “First-time eligibles for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 include Rob Gronkowski, Ben Roethlisberger, Adrian Peterson, Richard Sherman, Cam Newton, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Andrew Whitworth, Alex Mack, Gerald McCoy and Eric Weddle,” he revealed.

By mid-February 2027, the players selected for this prestigious honor will finally be announced during the annual NFL Honors ceremony. Which of these players will ultimately have his bust placed among the greatest in NFL history?

How are the next Hall of Famers selected?

The selection process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 is governed by a 50-person Selection Committee—comprising NFL market media members, at-large delegates, and a Pro Football Writers of America representative—tasked with evaluating eligible nominees who have been retired for at least five full seasons.

The multi-stage evaluation reduces a vast initial pool of Modern-Era candidates down to 25 semifinalists, before trimming the list to 15 finalists. These 15 players join up to five non-modern finalists—comprising up to three Seniors candidates (retired 25+ years), one Coach nominee (retired at least one season), and one Contributor nominee—chosen by dedicated subcommittees.

During Super Bowl week, the full committee convenes to debate the 20 total finalists, requiring each candidate to earn at least 80% approval from voters to secure selection in a final class that ultimately yields between four and eight inductees.

The beginnings of the NFL Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame officially opened its doors on September 7, 1963, in Canton, Ohio—a location chosen because the NFL was originally founded there in 1920. Established to honor the legendary players, coaches, and contributors who shaped professional football, the institution inducted an inaugural class of 17 charter members.

That legendary first group included iconic pioneers and star players such as Jim Thorpe, Red Grange, George Halas, Curly Lambeau, Sammy Baugh, and Bronko Nagurski, forever setting the standard for gridiron excellence.

What does an NFL Hall of Famer receive?

When an NFL legend is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, they receive three iconic symbols of football immortality. The centerpiece is the iconic Gold Jacket, a custom-tailored blazer made by Haggar that inductees put on for the first time during the Enshrinement Ceremony.

They are also presented with a bronze Hall of Fame Ring, custom-crafted for each member and featuring a diamond setting, as well as a life-sized Bronze Bust sculpted in their likeness, which is permanently displayed in the Hall’s gallery in Canton, Ohio.

The discussion centers on Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to receive a significant amount of playing time during the preseason as the Steelers enter a new era without Mike Tomlin.

While the Steelers believe those reps could help build rhythm before Week 1, Roethlisberger isn’t convinced it’s the right approach for a 42-year-old quarterback entering the final season of his career.

Ben Roethlisberger questions Aaron Rodgers’ preseason workload

Speaking about the situation, Ben Roethlisberger explained on his podcast Footbahlin why he believes Aaron Rodgers has nothing left to prove in preseason games.

“Last year, was it smart? Sure, it was. It was a new offense and a new team. Now, this is his offense. He knows this. He doesn’t need to be out there in the preseason. I guess if you want some continuity. I think they said something between 30 and 60 plays for the whole preseason. I don’t know if that’s how many games or whatever, but you’re talking maybe 20 plays a game. That’s a lot.”

For Roethlisberger, the risk of exposing Rodgers to unnecessary hits outweighs any potential benefit. Injuries are a crucial part of the game and, from a team’s overall perspective, there’s another important situation.

Who will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback?

There is no debate about Pittsburgh’s starter. Aaron Rodgers will open the season as the Steelers’ No. 1 quarterback, making the preseason more valuable for the younger players behind him.

Roethlisberger said that those snaps should be used instead to evaluate Will Howard, who enters his second NFL season, and rookie Drew Allar, who has already generated excitement during training camp.

“Don’t take reps away from those other guys for a Hall of Fame guy that already knows this offense. That’s my argument. Like, man, let’s get reps for the other guys. Not only is it a lot for your quarterback, the Hall of Famer you built this team around, but what it also does, more importantly, is it takes all those reps away from other guys. Have Aaron go one series. Let him go one series, whatever that entails, and pull him out. Then I’d go right to whoever is next.”

With only three preseason games on the schedule, opportunities to evaluate the future of the quarterback position are limited. That is why Roethlisberger believes Pittsburgh should prioritize the development of their young passers rather than giving extensive preseason work to a veteran who already knows the offense.

However, the biggest question is what will happen in 2027. Rodgers will most likely retire regardless of what happens, and that draft class is expected to be particularly attractive with names like Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and LaNorris Sellers.

According to a report from Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers appear to have already made their decision. “A few executives consulted for this story are watching Pittsburgh, which has started seven quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season, for a move up the draft board to capitalize on a quarterback class it has spent years studying.”

Who will be Steelers starting QB in 2026?

Aaron Rodgers will be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2026 season and, considering he will turn 43 years old, everything seems to indicate that this will undoubtedly be his last dance.

The next Steelers franchise quarterback

Drew Allar, Will Howard, and perhaps a quarterback from the 2027 draft class will battle for that coveted position. Allar and Howard will begin that competition during training camp and preseason, while college prospects will be closely monitored by Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy. What already seems clear is that, after the 2026 season, the Steelers will finally face the long-awaited moment when they must make a historic decision at quarterback.

Speaking on his podcast Footbahlin, the former Steelers quarterback offered a candid assessment of the pick and what it could mean for the team’s quarterback room.

“This is one that I’m not sure yet if I love it or hate it. You can get a lot of really good players in the third round. I don’t think this was done because they know anything about Aaron. I think it was a: ‘We liked a big physical quarterback.’ I think he had a lot of hype behind him at one point. I don’t watch a lot of Penn State games. When I did watch, he never jumped off the page to me. Is he big? Can he move? Can he throw? Yeah, but there was never a time when I was like ‘Whoa.’ We’ll see about this one.”

Ben Roethlisberger prefers Will Howard over Drew Allar

Ben Roethlisberger also made it clear that, based on what he’s seen, Will Howard may currently have the edge. Despite being a sixth-round pick, Howard has made a stronger impression in his view.

“Will was a sixth-rounder. This is a third-rounder. I think this will push Will. When I watch tape, or if I watch games, Will Howard jumped off the tape to me way more than Drew did.”

That dynamic is exactly what the Steelers appear to be setting up. With uncertainty still surrounding the future at quarterback thanks to Aaron Rodgers, they are creating an environment where performance, not draft position, will ultimately decide roles.

“I love the Pittman pickup,” Roethlisberger stated on the Deebo & Joe podcast. “I think it’s something that screams, ‘Hey, Aaron Rodgers, come on. We’re giving you these weapons.’“

Secrecy at this stage of the offseason is complete. However, even Pittman himself believes that Rodgers will return to the NFL, at least for a little while longer.

Rodgers’ weapons in Steel City

If Aaron Rodgers commits to the 2026 season, he will lead a high-powered offense featuring an elite receiving duo in DK Metcalf and newly acquired Michael Pittman Jr., alongside young playmaker Roman Wilson. The backfield offers a versatile punch with the hard-running Rico Dowdle and the explosive Jaylen Warren, giving the veteran quarterback one of the most balanced supporting casts of his legendary career.

McCarthy explores alternatives

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a pivotal crossroads at quarterback as they await Aaron Rodgers’ decision for the 2026 season. If the veteran retires, the team is currently headlined by Mason Rudolph, who remains a reliable, experienced bridge-starter familiar with the organization’s culture.

In contrast, the Steelers are also high on the developmental upside of Will Howard, the 2025 draft pick who spent his rookie year learning the system and is now positioned to compete for the starting role under Mike McCarthy’s new offensive regime.

Pittsburgh needs to return to the Super Bowl

The Steelers are currently facing one of the longest droughts in their storied history, making a return to the Super Bowl an absolute necessity for the franchise’s legacy. It has been 15 years since their last appearance in Super Bowl XLV and 17 years since they secured their last championship ring in Super Bowl XLIII.

The urgency reached a breaking point this past January 2026, when Pittsburgh suffered a frustrating 30-6 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, extending its postseason losing streak to seven games and leaving the fanbase desperate for a deep playoff run.

During a recent edition of Cam Heyward’s podcast, ‘Not Just Football’, Joey Porter took a huge shot at Big Ben, pointing out that he was not a good teammate in the Steelers’ locker room. The former linebacker pointed to other names such as James Harrison for having created podcasts to criticize Mike Tomlin and the players on the current roster.

“James Harrison broke the brotherhood. Then 7 (Ben Roethlisberger) definitely broke the brotherhood. The things that 7 do. That did and we don’t talk about is crazy. Out of anybody that should talk, he should never grab a microphone and really talk Steelers business. He’s not a good teammate.”

Was Ben Roethlisberger a bad teammate with Steelers?

According to Joey Porter, Ben Roethlisberger was a bad teammate with the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I won a Super Bowl with him, but, the person, he’s just not a good teammate. He knows that. Anybody in the Steelers building knows that, but we protected him because I’ve only won one Super Bowl and that was my quarterback. So, do I love my quarterback? Yeah. But, is he a good person? No.”

Steelers’ players criticize Big Ben

In addition to Joey Porter, several players joined the criticism against Big Ben in an Instagram post, commenting that they agreed. That list of names includes Mason Rudolph, Zach Banner, and Mike Mitchell.

So far, there has been no response from Ben Roethlisberger, but many expect a strong message in the next edition of his podcast, ‘Footbahlin’. When everything seemed to be heading toward a quiet offseason, the Steelers found that their former stars have suddenly unleashed a huge controversy.

“I said last week that I would like the McCarthy hire. I think you bring a new voice into the locker room because sometimes the message can get repetitive. McCarthy is a Pittsburgh guy, who obviously, I know he’s coached in a lot of places, but you’re telling me that he doesn’t have black and gold in there. He’s going to understand the Steeler Way.”

The Steelers have gone 17 years without winning a Super Bowl and have not recorded a playoff victory in nine seasons. Mike Tomlin decided to part ways with the team, and McCarthy was chosen as the ideal replacement according to the Rooney family and general manager Omar Khan.

Aaron Rodgers might come back to play for Mike McCarthy and Steelers in 2026

Mike McCarthy publicly admitted that he has already spoken with Aaron Rodgers and that he would like the veteran to be his quarterback in 2026. However, the head coach also said that, given Aaron’s age, the star deserves time to think about his decision to return or retire.

Fans don’t believe in Mike McCarthy and Steelers

After the announcement of Mike McCarthy as the new head coach of the Steelers, many fans could not believe the decision and felt it was more of the same, with a résumé very similar to that of Mike Tomlin. However, Ben Roethlisberger cannot understand those opinions.

“I’ve been really amazed at kind of the outpouring of disbelief of like: ‘Why are we doing this? What an awful hire.’ And I’m sitting there like scratching my head at some of the people that are saying this because I believe it’s a great hire. We finally have an offensive minded coach in here. I’m so excited for an offensive minded coach because I think we have to score more than six points in a playoff game. Mike McCarthy has a great track record. Are we sure that we want a young guy that’s unproven?”

“Coach T, we got to spend 15 years together, and through the ups and downs it was a great ride. Thank you for all you did for me and this team, and this community! You are a legend, and one of the greatest to do it! Here is to the next chapter, whatever that looks like.”

After Roethlisberger confirmed retirement, the Pittsburgh Steelers have not found their next franchise quarterback. Mike Tomlin tried different formulas, but none worked: Kenny Pickett, Russell Wilson, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, and, in his final season, Aaron Rodgers.

Who will be next Steelers’ head coach?

Ben Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin podcast that Marcus Freeman should be the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The problem is that, for now, he has no plans to leave Notre Dame. That’s why Freeman might not be on the list of candidates.

“An ideal perfect hire would be Marcus Freeman from Notre Dame. He is a young guy. New and fresh. Someone that guys would respect. But he’s not leaving Notre Dame. Let’s be honest.”

Best head coach option for Steelers

Additionally, Roethlisberger spoke about the possible characteristics that Tomlin’s replacement should have. Big Ben thinks it’s time to shift to an offense-oriented leader. There are many brilliant young assistants in the NFL who are shining and could take on that role.

“I’m not just saying it because I’m an offensive guy. But we’ve had defensive head coaches here that specialized in defense. I get it, it’s Pittsburgh. I understand that Steelers football is about defense and running the ball, but, why not mix it up? Why not bring in a head coach that’s offensive minded that would kind of change it up? Let’s be honest, six points is not enough in a playoff game. You can’t do that. Let’s bring in a head coach that’s offensively minded and allow him to then bring in a defensive coordinator. I would love to see a little bit of a shift in the head coach to be more of an offensive guy.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers legend confirmed whether he would be physically ready to play if he received a call. “Right this minute? No. But if I had a little work, I could. Listen, my right arm works just fine. I promise you that. It’s the rest of my body I worry about.”

Big Ben won the Super Bowl twice with the Steelers and is one year younger than Rivers, which is why rumors about a possible return are swirling. However, Roethlisberger was emphatic in stating that he is not considering it at all.

Is Ben Roethlisberger coming out of retirement?

No. Ben Roethlisberger confirmed that he will not come out of retirement to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers or any other team. Although he sometimes thinks about it and misses the excitement of being on the field, there is no chance he will return.

“18 years. I got to do it so much. I realized, which is crazy, that I’ve played 249 games and I was like: ‘Do I come back for one more to get 250? Just a round number, but, no. It’s too much now. Every once in a while I think about the fourth quarter and having the ball in my hands, but, other than that, I don’t miss it.”

When he left the door open to pursue that hypothetical 250th game of his career, Big Ben was asked whether there was truly not even the slightest possibility that he would consider it. “No chance. Zero chance.”