Steelers Open to QBs Outside of Rudolph, Haskins After Ben Roethlisberger Retirement

Needing to find a new starting quarterback for the first time in 18 years, the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to keep their options open.

Art Rooney II told reporters on Friday that the team will explore other options outside of the organization.

He said that they wouldn't close any doors. We have two guys on the roster, and they will compete.

Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement from the NFL in a video on Thursday.

Since 2004, Roethlisberger has been the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh. He led the franchise to 12 playoff appearances and two Super Bowl titles.

He doesn't have much success in the offense, though he has plenty of experience. In 10 career starts, he has 2,361 passing yards, 16 touchdown, 11 interceptions and a 61.5 completion percentage.

There is a wild card in this scenario. He was drafted by the Washington Football Team in the 15th round of the NFL draft three years ago. In 16 appearances for the Football Team, the Ohio State graduate threw for 2,804 yards, 12 touchdown and 14 interceptions.

After he was released by Washington, Pittsburgh signed him. The team plans to place an original-round restricted free-agent tender on him, according to Jeremy Fowler.

The tender requires any team that signs Haskins to give the Steelers its first-round pick in the draft.

The best free-agent quarterback will be Jameis Winston. The trade market could be another possibility for the Steelers, though it is not known what the status of top-tier starters like Russell Wilson and Rodgers is with their current teams.

If the Steelers are interested in any of the quarterbacks in the class, they have the No. 20 pick.