Pittsburgh Steelers Will Be a Main Contender for Rodgers, Watson, or Wilson

The Steelers and Lions slogged to a 16-16 tie on a rainy afternoon in Pittsburgh on Sunday, marking the first tie of the 2021 NFL season. For the Lions, it marked their first non-loss of the season but for the Steelers, it opened the door for questions about their offseason. With Ben Roethlisberger on the COVID-19 list, Mason Rudolph played uninspiring football, throwing for just 242 yards on a whopping 50 attempts.

Roethlisberger has not been a lot better prior to missing this week’s game, begging the question of who should be the Steelers’ signal caller at the beginning of 2022, especially with some intriguing options potentially hitting the market this offseason. With many dissatisfied stars across the league, the Steelers are a prime destination to add a premier acquisition this upcoming Spring.

The last time the @lions won in Pittsburgh was Nov. 13, 1955. In that game, Detroit built a 17-point lead when QBs Bobby Layne and Harry Gilmer, and HB Bill Stits threw TD passes. The #Steelers rallied late, but the Lions held on, 31-28. pic.twitter.com/eeycQrZ83p
— Bill Roose (@Bill_Roose) November 14, 2021

INTERESTING FACTS

Detroit Lions haven’t beaten the Steelers at Pittsburgh since 1955
Prior to Sunday, the Detroit Lions had not won an opening coin toss this season (0-8)
The Steelers moved to 5-3-1 and 2nd place in the AFC North behind the Baltimore Ravens

Odds vs. DET: PIT -227 (Spread -6.0)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

PITTSBURGH STEELERS WILL BE A MAIN CONTENDER FOR RODGERS, WATSON, OR WILSON

COLORS KEY | FULL STEELERS OUTLOOK

With big names like Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and Deshaun Watson all potentially being available through trade following this year, it could make sense for the Steelers to go after one. Roethlisberger’s contract is expiring at the end of the year, and his play at 39 years old has not warranted a renewal. Meanwhile, Rodgers, Watson, and Wilson all expressed discontent with their current situations this past offseason and could be on the market.

While any trade for these star QBs will require significant compensation, the Steelers have the draft capital to make it happen and have the type of coaching and management that would appeal to any of those high-quality signal-callers. Pittsburgh is still in the hunt for a playoff berth this season, but the front office might want to start looking ahead in regards to who will be under center in 2022 and beyond.