Colin Cowherd has nailed the biggest issue plaguing the Pittsburgh Steelers—and it's not about talent, culture, or coaching. It's about how the organization treats the most important position in football: quarterback.

Quarterback is the engine of every NFL team, but the Steelers have been running on fumes since Ben Roethlisberger's prime. Just look at the revolving door under center over the past five years:

In 2021, they relied on a 39-year-old Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph. By 2023, it was Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Rudolph. Now in 2025, they're banking on a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers—with Rudolph still in the mix.

Incredibly, Pittsburgh hasn't posted a losing season during that stretch. But they also haven't won a single playoff game. That's the kind of "good but not great" limbo that keeps a proud franchise stuck in neutral.

And what's the plan for 2026? Apparently, bringing back Rodgers at age 42, backed up by Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar. That might offer some continuity, but it's not the kind that inspires confidence.

Last year, the Steelers didn't sign Rodgers until June. This year, they're still waiting for his decision in May. That's not a recipe for stability.

Since Roethlisberger retired, quarterback has been a revolving door in Pittsburgh. That's what happens when you have the most expensive defense in the NFL but treat quarterback like an afterthought—like it's just another position on the roster.

As Cowherd put it on Thursday's episode of "The Herd": "Most NFL teams have a three- to five-year plan at quarterback. The Pittsburgh Steelers, they treat quarterback like it's a slot quarterback or an off-ball linebacker. They've had five different quarterbacks for their opening game in five years."

Rodgers would break that trend if he returns, but at his age, that's hardly something to celebrate. For a team with a proud history and a loyal fanbase, the Steelers need to start treating quarterback like the priority it is—not an afterthought.