3 veterans the Steelers should replace in the NFL Draft

1. Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger’s time as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback is coming to an end soon. The only real question the Steelers need to answer is whether or not they’ll give Big Ben one more season before they install a replacement.

His massive contract complicates that issue, but it’s very possible the team’s front office can find a way to bring him back on a palatable cap number next season. That means the Steelers don’t have to draft a signal-caller capable of starting as a rookie.

That also means the Steelers shouldn’t be married to the idea that their first round pick must be used on a quarterback. It’s very possible they can find superior value on Day 2 compared to what they can do with the No. 28 pick in Round 1.

Pittsburgh has a clear affinity for big, mobile quarterbacks which makes Trey Lance an interesting possibility if he falls into the second round. Jamie Newman could also make sense in Round 2 or Round 3. The Steelers shouldn’t go any deeper in this year’s quarterback class if they want to secure a legitimate franchise player for their future.

Drafting a rookie to sit behind Roethlisberger for a season might not electrify Pittsburgh’s fan base, but it’s the most prudent course of action for a team that still has a highly talented roster.