agreed, but they could maybe compete with Rudolph. they competed two years ago with a more unprepared Rudolph and Hodges.With that defense, an upgraded o-line and better running back I think the Steelers could maybe compete with Ben in 2021 but they have a brutal, brutal schedule. And keeping Ben will come at a price because if they want to retain some of their defensive players they'll have to reduce Ben's $40 million cap hit and that would mean yet another extension.
The alternative, as steelers1080 laid out, is to roll with Rudolph (or some inexpensive FA), bite the bullet and take our lumps in 2021. If they can keep the defense mostly intact, and draft well in 2021 and 2022 there is no reason the team must wallow in mediocrity for years (although that is certainly a possibility).
Rudolph can likely improve some. Ben won't. Ben deciding not to try to fall on that fumble was very telling and disturbing. i've never seen him decline to compete before.
so, hopefully, he will join his buddies McDonald and Pouncey and leave with dignity. if not, it's time to rip the band-aid off and cut him. see what you have in Rudolph and, if need be, Haskins. if they are lacking, (likely), address QB the following year with better resources to do so.
if Colbert won't, or can't (because of Rooney), cut Ben, might be time for him to leave with dignity as well. (and i like Colbert, Rooney and Ben)