Ben Roethlisberger didn’t join the group of media personalities calling for the Pittsburgh Steelers to move on without quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2026. But that doesn’t mean Roethlisberger hasn’t thought about who the team should target if Rodgers elects not to return. On Tuesday, “Big Ben” presented former Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs as his QB Plan B.
Roethlisberger argued in favor of Dobbs while appearing on The Deebo & Joe podcast on Tuesday.
Dobbs is available on the open market after the New England Patriots released him Monday.
“Here’s something I would consider that happened recently,” Roethlisberger said to his former teammates James Harrison and Joe Haden, via Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora. “Josh Dobbs just got released by New England. I would strongly, if Aaron [Rodgers] doesn’t come back, I’d love to bring a veteran guy in like Dobbs.
“Who has been here. Obviously, new system. Not the same coaching staff. Bringing a veteran guy in.”
The Steelers selected Dobbs at No. 135 overall in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent five years in Pittsburgh, serving as a backup and QB3 to Roethlisberger from 2017-21.
Dobbs appeared in six games for the Steelers. He completed 10 of 17 passes for 45 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception.
Since 2022, Dobbs has made appearances in regular season games for the Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers.
Could Joshua Dobbs Be a QB Target If Aaron Rodgers Retires?
To be clear, Roethlisberger wasn’t calling for the Steelers to ditch trying to sign Rodgers. But “Big Ben” sees Dobbs as an option for Pittsburgh if Rodgers doesn’t return.
In Pittsburgh, Dobbs would bring an experienced, veteran presence — one that is familiar with the team. Dobbs has never played for Mike McCarthy, but it’s not as though he’s unfamiliar with new coaching staffs.
Dobbs hasn’t played for the same team in back-to-back years since his Pittsburgh days.
The clear disadvantage of signing Dobbs with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard already on the roster is the Steelers wouldn’t have a clear-cut starter. Dobbs has posted an ugly 3-12 record as a starter in his career. He last won a start with the Vikings in 2023.
Rudolph has starting experience with far more success that Dobbs’s record. But Rudolph won’t be an inspired choice to start for most pundits.
Howard would bring excitement, but he’s never played in the league — not even the preseason.
It’s possible Roethlisberger was just hyping up a former teammate with his Dobbs answer Tuesday. There are few analysts who would agree the Joshua Dobbs is a better quarterback option for Pittsburgh than Kirk Cousins or Joe Flacco.
But Dobbs being available isn’t a bad thing. It gives the Steelers another choice while they wait for Rodgers.
When Will Rodgers Make 2026 Decision?
Insiders, analysts and fans alike all have their eyes set on Rodgers and when he might make his final call on the 2026 season.
In February, insiders such as Ian Rapoport and Mark Kaboly argued the quarterback could sign with the Steelers before free agency. But that didn’t happen.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported on March 15 that Rodgers’s decision on 2026 is “expected in weeks.”
But it’s a “boy who cried wolf” situation. Fans might not believe Canfora’s report after the misses from other insiders, though, Canfora has provided the most concrete Rodgers update in some time.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported on March 15 that Rodgers and the Steelers have engaged in positive conversations. Pryor, though, didn’t provide a timeline for a decision.
Rodgers will turn 43 years old in December. He led the Steelers to a 10-6 record in 16 starts and the AFC North crown last season.
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