The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for a solution at quarterback ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired at the conclusion of the 2021 season. The Steelers have started Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers in the four seasons since, with mixed results.
Rodgers has been the most successful of the aforementioned during that time. However, last season he played at age 42, will turn 43 this coming year, and has not yet committed to playing in 2026. Players such as Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Russell Wilson remain available in free agency, but the Steelers legend suggested Josh Dobbs, one of his former backup quarterbacks, as a veteran backup option.
Why Ben Roethlisberger Wants the Steelers to Sign Joshua Dobbs
Roethlisberger appeared on the “Deebo and Joe Podcast,” where he spoke with former teammates and endorsed bringing back Dobbs if the Steelers cannot re-sign Rodgers. “Here’s something I would consider that happened recently,” Roethlisberger said.
He added, “Josh Dobbs just got released by New England. I would strongly, if Aaron doesn’t come back, I’d 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.”
Dobbs is a veteran who has played in many different systems throughout his career after his time in Pittsburgh, so his ability to learn coach Mike McCarthy’s system should not be difficult. He earned the nickname “Passtronaut” for studying aerospace engineering in college, highlighting his high IQ both on and off the field.
Why Roethlisberger Thinks Pittsburgh Shouldn’t Draft a Quarterback Early
Dobbs was a fourth-round draft pick by the Steelers in 2017 and spent five seasons with the team over two separate stints. In 2023, the 31-year-old served as a backup for the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, passing for 2,464 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, but went 3-9 as a starter.
Roethlisberger would prefer that option to reaching for a quarterback, as they did with Pickett four years ago, but he suggested the team could add a quarterback on Day 3 of the upcoming draft.
“I don’t think the Steelers should draft a quarterback early in this draft by any means. If you want to try and grab one in the fourth or somewhere just to add someone,” Roethlisberger said.
The Steelers currently have longtime veteran Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard on the roster. If they do not spend a first-round pick on a quarterback in next month’s NFL Draft, being held in Pittsburgh, adding Dobbs would be a cheaper alternative to bringing Rodgers back.
