Sorry Pittsburgh fans, looks like this might be the end of the road for Big Ben Roethlisberger. During the Wednesday news conference, GM Kevin Colbert remained quite hesitant to answer questions about Roethlisberger as the Steelers’ quarterback entering the 2021 season.
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No Big Ben Roethlisberger?
“As we sit here today, Ben is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Colbert said. But, he followed up, “ He reiterated that to us that he wants to continue to play, and we told him quite frankly we have to look at this current situation. … With Ben’s current cap number, some adjustment will have to be made.”
#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
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Another great highlight from Mike here: GM Kevin Colbert said the #Steelers cap situation is so dire, they can’t even use the most powerful tool in the CBA to hold onto one of its best players in Bud Dupree: the franchise tag. https://t.co/zfCfZ1fyUx
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) February 17, 2021
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The Steelers’ Salary Cap
The problem from the Steelers arises from Roethlisberger’s current contract. If nothing is done, he will count for $41.25 million against the Steelers, leading to problems in the future for the Steelers to scout free agents and make big signings.
However, if the Steelers are to cut Roethlisberger, or if he were to retire, or even take a pay cut from his current salary to $17 million, he would still count against $23.4 million against the team.
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Boost in 2021 Salary Cap
While this number is still high, the NFL, as of Thursday morning, has announced that they are raising the salary cap.
NFL notifies team the salary cap floor has increased to $180 million in 2021. #Steelers https://t.co/10a6gBInVQ
— BTSC Steelers (@btsteelcurtain) February 18, 2021
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This boost might help Steelers with the coming season, but they’re still not out of choppy waters.
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This might help keep Big Ben on board, while making additional signings, but they have deep-seeded problems in the offensive line and receiving core that needs to be sorted out before they can make another run for the Super Bowl. Whether this run can be made with or without Big Ben only remains to be seen.
