After two weeks a couple of analysts have seen enough of Ben Roethlisberger and believe the Steelers should sign a quarterback still on the market.
ESPN’s Marcus Spears and Stephen A. Smith say the Steelers need to bring in Cam Newton and that he should replace the 18-year, 39-year-old veteran.
Talking about Pittsburgh’s quarterback issue on “First Take” both Spears and Smith agree that Newton needs to at least be looked at by Pittsburgh.
“Listen, you gonna get rid of the ball in two, two and a half seconds, that’s one thing, you got these weapons that’s another thing,” said Smith. “He can run with the football, not granted he’s not as mobile as he used to be but he’s considerably more mobile than Ben Roethlisberger and he’s younger.”
Both believe that Newton would be a big upgrade over backups Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins.
“(They) shouldn’t be the reason you don’t go out and try to get Cam Newton,” said Spears.
“The combination of those two, with Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins as your options…hell, why hasn’t Cam been called already,” added Smith.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers should have Cam Newton in their facility right now . . . getting a physical and them taking a look at him to be their starting quarterback, not to come in and until Mason Rudolph is ready, to be their starting quarterback, that’s where Cam Newton should be,” said Spears.
Newton, who played last year in New England, was cut by the Patriots before the season started in favor of rookie Mac Jones.
Roethlisberger is currently dealing with a Pec injury and has been struggling early on to get the offense going. A big reason for that is an inexperienced offense line that has let Roethlisberger get hit too often over the first two games.
Fan NFL Insider John Clayton reacted to the proposal on the PM Team with “aw jeez!”
“Stephen A. he’s just going for the quick bites,” added Clayton.