One thing about the NFL offseason? It’s never predictable. As things stand, people think they have a good grasp of what the veteran quarterback market will look like this offseason. The Chicago Bears will seek names like Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott, and Derek Carr but more likely settle for guys like Carson Wentz, Sam Darnold, or Marcus Mariota. Yet it’s still early. Could another unexpected shoe drop?
That is looking like a possibility. Weird things are happening out in Pittsburgh. The Steelers initially seemed ready to make another go of it in 2021 with longtime star Ben Roethlisberger. However, that may not be as set in stone as people think. Roethlisberger is set to carry a salary cap hit of over $41 million this year. With Pittsburgh projected to be $30 million over the cap? This is a problem.
GM Kevin Colbert has a difficult decision.
With Roethlisberger turning 39-years old this year, the odds of him being traded are remote. It’s much more like the Steelers would have to release their future Hall of Famer. A move that would net them $19 million in cap space. It isn’t an easy decision. Based on Colbert’s recent comments though? It is something the organization is seriously considering.
Steelers GM Kevin Colbert doesn't give a strong endorsement for Ben Roethlisberger as QB in 2021: "As we sit here today, Ben is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. … He reiterated to us that he wants to continue to play. We told him we have to look at this current situation."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 17, 2021
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This is telling from Colbert: "Hopefully, there's a way that we can try to figure out and do what's best for the organization and do what's best for Ben.
"Hopefully he'll be able to see that and feel the same way we do." https://t.co/vZn38JYLNP
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 17, 2021
The problem isn’t just Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh has a ton of free agents about to hit the market. If they have any desire to keep some of them, they need to make some sacrifices. Otherwise, key contributors like Bud Dupree, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Conner, and Alejandro Villanueva will all leave. This would be a devastating blow to a team that seemed like a clear Super Bowl contender last season. Yet parting with a star quarterback is a huge risk as well.
Roethlisberger:
Current 2021 cap number: $41.25M.
2021 cap number if he retires or is cut: $22.25M.
Lowest possible 2021 cap number if Steelers extend his deal: $27.125M.
2021 cap number if he took a $17.925M pay cut and played for minimum (which feels unlikely): $23.325M.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 17, 2021
Chicago Bears should absolutely have eyes on Roethlisberger
Nobody is saying the guy is what he was 10 years ago. His mobility and arm strength are shadows of what they once were. That said, the guy is still capable of playing good football. He threw 33 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions in 2020. He went 12-3 as a starter. There is no reason to think he can’t still be a good quarterback for some team. Presuming they give him adequate protection and some weapons to work with.
From the perspective of the Chicago Bears, this would be a major opportunity. GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy are clearly looking for an upgrade at quarterback. Even if it’s just a short-term fix. They need somebody who gives them a good chance to make the playoffs in 2021. Roethlisberger, even at his age, is a substantial step up from either Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles.
Even better? They wouldn’t have to trade for him.
This would allow Pace to retain control of all their draft picks, using them to further enhance the roster as much as possible. Money would be an obstacle. Chicago doesn’t have lots of cap space either but they can find ways around that. Presuming Roethlisberger is willing to work with them on a favorable deal. Considering he’s made over $250 million in his NFL career? It is fair to believe it wouldn’t be about the money anymore.