I've read a couple articles saying we should move on from Ben. I believe one was from Bleacher Report. Can't remember the other. I've also posted, in a different thread, my opinion on this.
I understand that the guys we have right now can't hold Ben's jockstrap. I also understand that it's hard to cut ties with a guy that has done so much for your franchise. However, the fact is, Ben is declining at a steep pace. He's not winning any more super bowls. He's also taking up a lot of cap space that could be used elsewhere.
The best we do next season is 8-8 or 10-6 and a 1st rd bounce from the playoffs, with a mediocre 1st rd draft pick that is too low to get our next franchise QB. I've never been a fan of tanking, but now would be the time to do it. If I'm running the show I'm forcing Ben out much like Troy Polamalu. I remember when TP retired and it was sad, but I believe it was time and the right decision.
After Ben is out I'm signing Joe Flacco or another veteran QB who has starting experience. At worst, the vet can help groom Rudolph and Duck. With Flacco and the bums at the helm, I believe we go no better than 6-10, increasing our chances for a top 10 pick to land a QB.
Trevor Lawrence would be on my radar, and I'd do what it takes to make sure he's a Steeler. In this years draft I would be drafting his protection. (Draft the passer, protect the passer, rush the passer) Not many super bowls are won in this era without an elite QB, which is why I'm ok with sacrificing a mediocre season to land the best prospect since Andrew Luck, in Trevor Lawrence.
To put into perspective, is it worth riding Ben for another mediocre season, while also being left with a 20+ draft pick where we could quite possibly be reaching for a QB, or cutting ties now, and take the ass beatings next year to land a possible sure thing? Imo, keeping Ben around is going to further the rebuilding process, while potentially making things worse before they get better when he does decide to hang it up.
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Begin the roast