Steelers: 3 Ben Roethlisberger replacements playing on Championship Saturday
By Scott Rogust
With Ben Roethlisberger reportedly expecting this season to be his last playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, here are three potential replacements from the college level.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long needed a contingency plan in place for veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He did return for 2021 on a reworked deal, but his status with the Steelers beyond that was anyone’s guess. It appears the former 2004 first-round draft pick has an idea what the future holds for him.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Roethlisberger told former teammates and members of the organization that he expects this to be his final season playing for the Steelers.
Perhaps the easiest way for Pittsburgh to address the quarterback position this offseason is to select a rookie in the 2022 NFL Draft. While it is far from the greatest class, there are some enticing options. Sure enough there are three that are participating in Conference Championship Saturday.
These are the three college signal callers the Steelers should look at.
3 Ben Roethlisberger replacements on Championship Saturday
830. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. Cincinnati. Desmond Ridder. 3.. player
First, we begin with the quarterback of one of two undefeated teams entering Championship Saturday — Desmond Ridder of the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Ridder had his fair share of great performances against the competition this season prior to the AAC Championship Game, but perhaps his most impressive came on the road against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The senior signal caller completed 19-of-32 of his throws for 297 yards and two touchdowns, while running for 26 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries in the 24-13 victory. Again, Ridder did this as a member of the road team playing inside Notre Dame Stadium.
On the year, Ridder recorded 3,000 passing yards for 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions all while completing 66.0-percent of his passes. The senior also ran for 342 yards and six touchdowns on 93 carries.
Depending on how the draft board shapes out to be at the end of the season, Ridder will likely be available for Pittsburgh in the first-round.