As the 2020 NFL draft approaches, many fans will be clamoring for new blood at Quarterback. However, with only six draft picks the Steelers will likely be going a different route.
One of the first things that catches the eye when reading about the Steelers quarterback situation is that fans are not happy with the current status quo. For many, there is a distaste for Mason Rudolph’s style and a lack of confidence in undrafted quarterback, Devlin Hodges. However, the Steelers front office has made it clear they are happy with where they currently stand.
Ben Roethlisberger, now 38 years old, is returning from a torn ligament in his right elbow that required surgery. The severity of the injury has raised many questions about his ability to bounce back. Many people thought he may never throw the same again.
The Steelers have Roethlisberger under contract for the next two seasons. The majority of the salary to be paid out in the 2021 season. Ben has made it clear that he has no doubt he will play again. Last month, he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ron Cook, “I have no doubts I’m going to be able to come back and play well — none. I have complete confidence in that”
Ben went on to tell Cook that he has been throwing short distances “that are not NFL velocity.” In late February, the team posted a video on twitter of Roethlisberger lightly throwing in a gymnasium which led to lots of excitement amongst Steelers Nation.
At 38, you might expect some resistance from his body. Horror stories like Alex Smith contracting an infection in his surgically repaired leg keep fans awake at night. Luckily, Roethlisberger claims to be throwing pain-free for the first time in years. He is one of the few guys in the league that will ultimately benefit from the start of team activities being pushed back.