The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a state of limbo when it comes to the quarterback position. Even though they have hired Mike McCarthy as their head coach, four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers has yet to inform the team of his plans for the 2026 season. As has been the case for the last several years, the future Pro Football Hall of Famer is considering retirement.
Many thought that the hiring of McCarthy, who coached Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers, would help lure the star quarterback back to Pittsburgh for one more year. And while the Steelers certainly seem to want him back, Rodgers is not sure if he wants to play at all.
And if he does end up retiring, Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger has a wild idea of who the team could pursue to replace him.
Ben Roethlisberger suggests the Pittsburgh Steelers get Josh Dobbs if Aaron Rodgers retires
Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger, Josh Dobbs, Aaron Rodgers
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
During a recent interview on the “Deebo and Joe” podcast (via CBS Sports), Roethlisberger said he thinks Pittsburgh should sign Josh Dobbs in NFL free agency if Rodgers retires:
“Here’s something I would consider that happened recently. Josh Dobbs just got released by New England. I would strongly — if Aaron is not coming back — I’d love to bring a veteran guy in like Dobbs, who’s been here. Obviously a new system, not the same coaching staff, but bring a veteran guy in.”
Dobbs has been in the NFL for eight years, but has only been on an active roster for six of those seasons. In that time, he has a 62.8% completion percentage, 3,346 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and a passer rating of 78.3.
Of course, he is no stranger to Pittsburgh, having been with the team from 2017-2019 and 2021-2022.
But if Roethlisberger thinks that Dobbs is a reasonable replacement to Rodgers, even as a bridge quarterback, then he is okay with seeing his former team struggle mightily until they find a new franchise quarterback.
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