by Adrian Gutierrez (AdrianGutierrez@kitchenisdads)
It happens to every great quarterback – not named Tom Brady. The business of age, combined with “what have you done for me lately?” intersect as salary caps come into play in the off season. In Pittsburgh, the recent focus is on future hall of famer, Ben Roethlisberger and the contract restructuring of the Pittsburgh Steelers as they face a sizable salary cap hit in a COVID-19 pandemic year. The odds that “Big Ben” will remain a Steeler are slim, so what are the prospects and options for 39 year old Big Ben? Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Now even though Roethlisberger desperately wants to stay in Pittsburgh, even going so far to say that he is apathetic regarding his pay this year. Like most of the teams in this league, major contract restructuring is ongoing to be cap compliant. The deadline is March 17th, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner are free agents, Vance MacDonald is retiring & GM Kevin Colbert is tepid about Ben Roethlisberger returning to the Steelers.
2020 showed us that the receiving corp was solid, and will remain key with Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and James Washington remaining. It’s the backfield that was lacking. James Conner, who stepped up and went beyond expectations in 2018, wasn’t an impact player in 2020. The overall rushing attack was average at best, which was okay because the receiving corp was so deep, but Juju Smith-Schuster will want to be featured somewhere else that needs a wide receiver. So knowing this, and the nature of the business, below are some of the better hypotheticals for Ben Roethlisberger.
Go West Ben
The San Francisco 49ers face major salary cap issues too, so it is expected that they will part ways with QB Jimmy Garappolo, who has been plagued with injury issues. They have a competitive and star tight end, with George Kittle, a capable young receiving corp and a stellar committee rushing attack.
2021 will feature hard running Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert. He could be throwing less in San Francisco, utilizing the play-action with much success. Plus the defense is good. If you have to prove yourself just one more season, go West.
QB Wanted, must work 24/7
For a variety of reasons, Cam Newton did not work out in New England. This means that if Roethlisberger wants to put in the work, never leave the practice facility… he could be under the leadership of one of the greatest coaches in the NFL.
New England plays with marquee players and players who will themselves be great. The goal is always winning. So if Roethlisberger is willing, he could be throwing to experienced Julian Edelman or Jakobi Meyers.
The backfield is nearly always a committee backfield that catches the ball. Field vision and situational awareness are key in New England. If he wants one more crack at the ring, this could be the place to do it.
Teal, instead of Steel?
This one is a long shot, but possible because of the Pittsburgh connection. Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is looking for a new quarterback.
Teddy Bridgewater could not cut it in the red zone, and there were some offensive line issues, but as soon as word broke that Deshaun Watson wanted to be released, Jason LaCanfora reported on billionaire David Tepper zeroing in on Deshaun Watson.
In case Deshaun Watson doesn’t go to Carolina, Tepper could consider Roethlisberger since he was the minority owner of the Steelers for nearly ten years. Tepper is a Pittsburgh native and is already familiar with Roethlisberger.
Plus, they are currently restructuring contracts to clear salary cap space. Should they pick up a rookie quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft, they could have Roethlisberger in the senior teaching role. It would be strange to see him in this sort of role, but that’s what happens to the venerable quarterbacks.
Ben goes Grizzly
Another possibility for Big Ben is Chicago. They are in desperate need of a quarterback and only have Nick Foles signed on.
A solid running back with David Montgomery, and if Allen Robinson is resigned, they’ll have a good wide receiving corp, including Anthony Miller. Then there’s promising Cole Kmet at tight end, along with a decent offensive line and a good defense overall. Roethlisberger may leave the steel city for the windy city, and in return take on the NFC north.
All of the aforementioned is entirely speculative. Roethlisberger will weigh all the options as it becomes clear that the chances of him remaining in Pittsburgh are unlikely, and he would still be the primary workhorse in the offense.
Sure he can chase a title for one more hurrah in a different city, or he could just as easily retire and enjoy all his accomplishments so far and still maintain his health. It would be odd to see him in a different jersey, whether it’s the Patriots or the Panthers, but if he still has fire to burn, we hope he gets a great deal and plenty of offensive protection.
Last and Obvious Answer
Retire. Sometimes the most obvious answer is the one directly in front of our eyes. The only reason for ultra competitor Ben Roethlisberger to play again – is for a Super Bowl.
They went 11-0 this past season, got to the tournament, and were knocked out by up-and-coming rival, the Cleveland Browns. Should Big Ben return, his team will be undermined by the salary cap and he’ll still have a committee backfield that doesn’t intimidate.
If the Steelers management restructures his contract and pays him the minimum, the pay cut of $17.925 million, the team would still be on the hook for $23.325 million. If he retires, or is cut, $22.25 million dollars is still accountable against the cap.
Were he younger, perhaps this wouldn’t be an issue? He’s 39, and not as mobile as he used to be. Remember when he could shake linemen off, like a hippo does to resting birds?
Age gets the better of us all the time, especially when you play gladiator sports. He can retire with grace and pride knowing he gave it all for this franchise, he took the Steelers to the playoffs 11 times, and won the Super Bowl twice.
However, let’s pretend that Ben Roethlisberger still has fire in that heart and the physical prowess to return for another year. Which team can offer him the support he needs for one more Super Bowl ring besting the juggernaut in Kansas City? We will all know soon.
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