The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads regarding their quarterback situation, both for the 2026 season and beyond. Amidst the swirling uncertainty, a familiar voice has surfaced with an intriguing suggestion. Ben Roethlisberger, a Steelers legend, has thrown his support behind bringing back a former teammate, Josh Dobbs, if Aaron Rodgers decides to hang up his cleats and not return to Pittsburgh.
Roethlisberger's endorsement of Dobbs over more high-profile names like Kirk Cousins or Mac Jones is noteworthy. During a recent appearance on the "Deebo and Joe Podcast," Roethlisberger expressed his desire to see Dobbs back in the black and gold.
"Josh Dobbs just got released by New England," he noted. "If Aaron [Rodgers] doesn't come back, I'd love to bring a veteran guy in like Dobbs, who has been here."
While Dobbs might not have the star power of other potential candidates, Roethlisberger seems confident in his potential fit. At 31, Dobbs represents a gamble, given his journeyman status in the NFL, primarily serving as a backup. However, his familiarity with the Steelers organization could offer a unique advantage.
Dobbs' NFL journey began with the Steelers after being drafted in the fourth round in 2017. His career has seen him move from Pittsburgh to Jacksonville, and then back to Pittsburgh for another stint. Since then, he's had brief stops with several teams, including the Browns, Lions, Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers, and Patriots.
Despite limited opportunities as a starter, Dobbs has shown flashes of capability. With 3,346 passing yards, a 62.8% completion rate, and 17 touchdowns against 15 interceptions, he has demonstrated solid performance when given the chance. His dual-threat ability is underscored by 515 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
Roethlisberger's backing, coupled with Mike McCarthy's history of maximizing quarterback potential, adds an interesting layer to the discussion. However, the prospect of Dobbs returning to Pittsburgh might not ignite widespread enthusiasm among Steelers fans, especially as a potential starter for 2026. If Rodgers doesn't return, eyes might instead turn to 2025 draft pick Will Howard, or perhaps a new rookie from the upcoming draft.
In a league where quarterback decisions can make or break a season, the Steelers' next move will be crucial. Whether Dobbs gets his third shot in Pittsburgh or the team opts for a different direction, the decision will undoubtedly shape the team's future trajectory.