The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be stuck in a cycle of quarterback uncertainty, a trend that’s persisted for several years. Following the 2023 season, they were forced to overhaul the quarterback position, and there’s a realistic possibility they might have to do so again this offseason. Despite quarterback being the most crucial position in the NFL, the Steelers have struggled to address it effectively. While quick, low-cost solutions may offer temporary relief, they make it much harder to secure a true franchise quarterback without a more ambitious approach.
During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Mike Florio discussed the Steelers’ ongoing struggles to replace Ben Roethlisberger, noting that the team has faced similar issues in the past with little jus
“With Ben Roethlisberger, maybe the planning wasn’t what it should have been as his career wound down. The team could have drafted Lamar Jackson but chose Terrell Edmunds instead, trying to keep things steady for Ben and avoid potential awkwardness. The same reasoning led them to pass on Dan Marino in 1983 to avoid creating tension with Terry Bradshaw, who only played one more game after
The Steelers have long been known for their loyalty, but in the cutthroat world of the NFL, that approach often proves detrimental. Since Roethlisberger’s retirement, five different quarterbacks have started games, with the possibility of even more turnover in 2025.
Kenny Pickett was drafted as the team’s supposed quarterback of the future, yet free agent Mitch Trubisky was immediately handed the starting role. Both were brought in as short-term solutions following Roethlisberger’s retirement, but neither lived up to expectations and both exited after just two seasons.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson, whom the Steelers passed over in favor of drafting safety Terrell Edmunds, has thrived. Jackson has already won three playoff games and two MVP awards and is a leading contender for a third MVP in the 2024 season. In contrast, Edmunds, who spent five years in Pittsburgh, has since regressed to a practice-squad level player, particularly during his second stint with the team.
