I agree with you, which is why I'd trade Watt, Minkah, etc. Holding onto aging defensive pieces while you're staring down the barrel of Jameis Winston as your QB1 is pure idiocy.
But the Steelers will do neither - they'll poke through the trash heap at QB and they'll keep their guys on defense. 9-8 baby!
Is the discussion determinate on what a smart team would do, and under that premise what expectations of theoretical moves are, or what the Steelers are actually likely to do? If the former, do something along the lines of what you said. If the later, what level of performance would be realistically required of a Stafford/Kupp, Rodgers/Adams, Fields, Deebo Samuels, etc. that's going to bridge the gap between this team and the real contenders?
In Stafford's case for this discussion, what's the reasoning for expecting him to perform at the level he has on the Rams in McVay's offense, a modern offense with a proven track record of success, compared to what he'd likely have to work with here in Smith's (Tomlin's)? Not to mention, regardless of who the QB is, are they going to somehow prevent the opponent from putting up another 30+ points on Tomlin's defense for the umpteenth time?
Come to think of it, just how many outside roster moves since Ben declined below the point of being able to carry an offense himself, have come here and performed better than expectations? Elliot this past season is one, Minkah his first few seasons. Can't think of one on the offensive side of the ball. I'm probably missing some but I doubt it's more than a handful.
Point being, even if this team was actually just a few roster upgrades from legit contention (they aren't), with what track record of offseason acquisition success are we basing any confidence in that coming true with what they need going into this season?
So, going back to the original question of what is the discussion based on, since I'm comfortable expecting the Steelers to disregard what imo would make the most sense for the future, that being selling off the aging defensive stars that have legit value still and preparing for the 26 draft in Pittsburgh with a hopefully better selection of QB talent compared to this year's draft, I'm sure Rooney and all will find a way to convince themselves they're just a Stafford or whoever away from a playoff win, they'll make any and all boneheaded decisions designed to "try" to compete this season, they'll convince half the city they have like clockwork by training camp, and we'll be right back here next February talking about the same damn shit, but hopefully for them they'll have another non-losing season under their belt, so it will still be seen as a success in their book.
Rinse and repeat.