Ben Roethlisberger’s agent, Ryan Tollner, says his client will play for the Steelers in 2021.

But owner Art Rooney II didn’t exactly confirm that. Given how the situation has lingered in limbo after optimistic proclamations three weeks ago, it would be good if he did. Rooney says he wants Roethlisberger back, but contract and cap issues remain unresolved.

The situation is like a clumsy high school breakup.

However, assuming Roethlisberger will again be under center — OK, in the shotgun, and almost all the time, too — we should hold certain truths to be self-evident.

• The Steelers must be 100% in win-now mode. You have one more year of Roethlisberger. Every decision made must be with an eye toward maximizing that. If the Steelers draft a quarterback in any round, Roethlisberger should quit on the spot.

• If the Steelers miss the playoffs or go one-and-done in the postseason, bringing Roethlisberger back was a failure. It will have accomplished nothing and set back the inevitable rebuilding process. (Misguided optimism seems the genesis of this decision. The Steelers always have been good at convincing themselves they are better than they are.)

• The offense must expand. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada can’t install his whole package. Roethlisberger isn’t mobile enough for the bells and whistles. But Roethlisberger must be under center more. There must be a legit running game, and commitment thereof. There must be play-action. The Steelers can’t again finish last in the NFL in rushing and first in pass attempts. Balance is required. The offense can’t be all quick releases and 3-yard passes. If Roethlisberger can’t throw downfield and/or doesn’t want to put himself at risk to make plays, then he shouldn’t play.

• Roethlisberger can’t take over the offense. His way doesn’t work. Not well enough, anyway. Not every run/pass option can be a pass. Roethlisberger should audible to what he sees, but not always to what he wants. Canada should be in charge. He can’t be Roethlisberger’s bobo.

• Roethlisberger was rotten down the stretch. In his last seven games, he threw 10 interceptions and his passer rating topped 90 just once. Bruce Arians, the former Steelers offensive coordinator, says Roethlisberger never has been a slave to preparation or conditioning. But whatever made Roethlisberger hit a wall in 2020 must be remedied. If it happened when Roethlisberger was 38, it’s more likely to happen at 39, but earlier and worse.

Rebuilding the running game is imperative. There was no good reason to abandon it last year. The Steelers rushed for 94 yards or better in each of their first six games. Then the rushing attempts dried up. Not just the yardage, but the attempts.

The Steelers averaged 30 rushing attempts over their first six games. They won those games. They averaged 19 rushing attempts over their last 10 games. Their attempts topped 20 just twice. They ran the ball a lot worse. Perhaps that was because they ran the ball a lot less.

The Steelers ditched the run for no good reason but because their quarterback wants to throw all the time.

Then again, the Steelers can’t rely on a running attack if Benny Snell is the starter.

Most experts think the Steelers should use their early draft picks on offensive linemen. Given the dire state of that group, it’s a good idea.

It’s a better idea to draft Alabama’s Najee Harris if he’s available when the Steelers pick 24th in the first round. Harris is the best running back in the draft. He’s got patience. He’s got power. He can run, catch and block, and he is 6-foot-2, 230 pounds.

Harris is a threat. The Steelers could assemble All-Pro linemen from tackle to tackle, but the opposition won’t take Snell seriously. Neither will Roethlisberger. Harris’ presence opens things up for the entire offense. When you need to pound the ball, Harris can. Snell can’t.

Get linemen later in the draft or in free agency. Draft Harris in the first round.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)