The Pittsburgh Steelers have put their collective faith in the wrong person

An elite quarterback, running back and wide receiver.

NFL front offices dream about it. Fans revel in the thought of cheering for terrific athletes that can change the course of a game with one play.

The Pittsburgh Steelers had that. A three-headed monster that made up one of, if not the best offense in football. Ben Roethlisberger is an aging quarterback, albeit one with two Super Bowl’s to his name, and an incredibly troubling off-field history. LeV’eon Bell is the most dangerous runner in football without factoring in his ability as a playmaking receiver out of the backfield. Antonio Brown is a future Hall of Fame wide receiver, ranking among the best Steelers ever at his position.

One is already gone with news that the Steelers have verbally agreed to send Brown to the Oakland Raiders for two selections in the upcoming draft. After taking a year off following tumultuous contract negotiations that went stale, Bell is a free agent and is sure to be one of the first big names off the board.

Two out the door. One remains.

A 30-year-old in the prime, if not just past the peak of his career at the receiver position. A 27-year-old running back that, when healthy, is among the league’s best. And, a just-turned 37-year-old quarterback with significant mileage on his body, the aforementioned off-field problems, and one with a reputation for publicly calling out teammates.

Common sense would dictate that you keep the former and part ways with the latter. But that’s not football. That isn’t the “Rooney way.” That’s not how this league works.

However way you label it, the Steelers have put their faith and confidence in the wrong person.

Few posts of mine have been this difficult. As a Steelers fan, I waited to see how this was all going to play out. Of course, it started with Bell. Franchise tag after franchise tag. The same dance ensued after every playoff exit. Views on the running back position are very tricky and controversial. You either believe that all running backs have a shelf life — which usually ends around the age of 29 or 30 — and that front offices, coaches and owners are right to move on from certain players once…