The Pittsburgh Steelers are stepping into unfamiliar territory. For the first time in nearly two decades, someone other than Mike Tomlin will be leading the team. With Mike McCarthy now at the helm, the franchise is entering a new era-one that could also feature a fresh face under center, depending on Aaron Rodgers’ offseason decision.
It’s a pivotal moment for a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season and has dropped seven straight postseason matchups. The message is clear: something’s got to give. And if you ask Ben Roethlisberger, the solution isn’t about chasing the next star quarterback-it’s about building the kind of roster a quarterback can thrive in.
“Rebuild is like this big word in Pittsburgh-you don’t use that word ‘rebuild,’” Roethlisberger said on First Things First. “I think you should build a team to plug a quarterback into… Let’s build this team up.”
That’s not just nostalgia talking. Roethlisberger knows what it looks like when a team is built the right way.
When he stepped in as a rookie back in 2004, the Steelers had a strong supporting cast on both sides of the ball. He didn’t have to carry the franchise from day one-he just had to do his job.
The result? A 15-1 regular season and, not long after, two Super Bowl titles.
Roethlisberger sees a similar opportunity with Will Howard. The idea isn’t to hand Howard the keys and expect him to drive a broken-down vehicle.
It’s to give him a solid foundation-an offensive line that holds up, playmakers who can get open, and a defense that gives the offense a chance to breathe. If Howard thrives, great.
If not, at least the team will be in a position to draft the next guy without having wasted years on a flawed plan.
Right now, though, the Steelers’ roster is thin, especially on offense. The talent just isn’t there yet to support a young quarterback.
So if Pittsburgh wants to avoid setting Howard up for failure, this offseason becomes critical. Add weapons.
Shore up the line. Give the kid a fighting chance.
Roethlisberger’s point hits home: bad teams often tear it all down and pin their hopes on a top draft pick, only to find themselves stuck in a loop of disappointment. Good teams?
They build smart, stay competitive, and when the right quarterback comes along, they’re ready. Think Brock Purdy in San Francisco, Aaron Rodgers stepping in for Brett Favre, or Tom Brady taking over in New England.
None of those guys walked into a mess-they walked into a system built to support them.
The Steelers have a chance to do the same. With a new head coach and a possible quarterback transition, the timing is right.
But the path forward isn’t about chasing a savior. It’s about building a team strong enough that the right quarterback doesn’t have to be perfect-just ready.