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Who are Steelers best available options to replace Ben Roethlisberger?

By Rucker Haringey

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks to throw a pass during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks to throw a pass during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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Steelers quarterback rumors, Andy Dalton
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Andy Dalton #14 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 03, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 23-19. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Andy Dalton

If the Steelers prefer to go with a veteran option who can take over the offense immediately, Dalton should be at the top of their shopping list. He filled in admirably for the Cowboys last season after Dak Prescott’s injury. There’s no reason he can’t do the same for Roethlisberger under slightly different circumstances in 2021.

Dalton isn’t an overwhelming athlete and he doesn’t possess a cannon for an arm. That doesn’t stop him from being an effective NFL passer. The former TCU standout possesses an exceptional ability to read opposing defenses and still spins the ball with above-average accuracy in the pocket.

Dalton’s ability to push the ball down the field would do wonders to open up Pittsburgh’s aerial attack. Roethlisberger was unable to stretch defenses vertically last year. Dalton may not have the strongest arm in the league but he can strike some measure of fear in opposing safeties. That’s more than the Steelers got from their quarterbacks a season ago.

Dalton will receive offers from several teams in free agency, but the Steelers should be able to land him if they’re willing to offer him the starting job. He’s not a long-term solution for Pittsburgh but he can keep them in the playoffs next year.

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