Pittsburgh Steelers Consider Replacing Ben Roethlisberger As Quarterback In 2021

It’s no guarantee that Ben Roethlisberger will be the Pittsburgh Steelers starter in the 2021 season. In fact, there’s a very real chance that the quarterback’s 17-year career with the franchise could come to an end within the next few weeks.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert admitted Wednesday that Pittsburgh hasn’t come to a final decision about Roethlisberger‘s future.

“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.”

Roethlisberger has one year left on his contract with a $41.25 million cap hit for next season. In order for the quarterback to remain with the Steelers, his deal will have to be restructured. Roethlisberger has indicated that he’s willing to take a pay cut.

Heading into the official start of free agency, Pittsburgh is close to $15 million over the salary cap, according to Spotrac.

Pressed GM Kevin Colbert on what he meant “look at the situation” re Ben Roethlisberger's future w the #Steelers. Says “first and foremost,” it’s making finances work. But acknowledges “all of the above” to whether Ben still best option for future of franchise, O philosophy, etc
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) February 17, 2021

#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert had EVERY opportunity today to say no matter what, the team would figure out a way to make sure QB Ben Roethlisberger returned as its starter in 2021.
He did not.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) February 17, 2021

Ben Roethlisberger’s options come down to two Rs — restructure or retire. pic.twitter.com/CZVOtMZIzV
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 17, 2021

Despite leading the Steelers to another AFC North championship, the 38-year-old often looked his age during the 2020 NFL season. Roethlisberger’s 253.5 passing yards per game were his lowest over the course of a full season since 2012. The veteran lost three of his final four starts with eight interceptions during that stretch.

Pittsburgh was upset in the first round of the playoffs. The Steelers ranked 25th in total offense.

Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins are behind Roethlisberger on the Steelers’ depth chart. Both signal-callers have played poorly when given the chance to start.

Rudolph became Pittsburgh’s starter in 2019 after Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury in Week 2. Rudolph has thrown for 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and an 82.7 passer rating in the last two seasons.

The Washington Football Team made Haskins a first-round pick in the 2019 draft. With more interceptions than touchdowns and multiple violations of team rules, Haskins was released before last season ended.

If Roethlisberger is released or retires, the Steelers could look for their next quarterback in free agency or through a trade. A few marquee quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson, could potentially be had at the right price.

The Steelers own the 24th overall pick in the 2021 draft. The top quarterback prospects are expected to be off the board by the time Pittsburgh makes its first selection.

NFL free agency officially starts on March 17.