Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert would not commit to longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the team's signal-caller in 2021.
Colbert said Wednesday “Big Ben” continues to state his preference to play for the Steelers. However, Colbert said the organization has told Roethlisberger it needs to evaluate the totality of the quarterback situation:
“As we sit here today, Ben is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Colbert said, via ESPN's Brooke Pryor. “He reiterated to us that he wants to continue to play. We told him we have to look at this current situation.”
Might Steelers fans have seen the last of Roethlisberger in the black and gold?
The 38-year-old's contract is a big reason for Pittsburgh's financial constraints this offseason. Roethlisberger carries a $41.25 million cap hit, though he has shown a willingness to restructure his contract. He will still count for $22.25 million against the cap if he is not with the Steelers in 2021.
Perhaps the Steelers feel now is the time to go in a different direction at the quarterback position. The team is in something of a transition, with longtime center Maurkice Pouncey retiring and offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva slated for free agency. Skill position players such as JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner will also be free agents, and outside linebacker Bud Dupree should command a hefty figure.
Still, going with Roethlisberger for one more season could be the best solution. A restructured contract would likely give the Steelers more flexibility than simply cutting Big Ben, and the six-time Pro Bowler suffered from some poor circumstances in 2020.
Roethlisberger led the NFL with 39 passes dropped this past season. He is still capable of moving the ball, and the Steelers would like to stay competitive in 2021, rather than orchestrate a slight teardown.
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