4 questions Ben Roethlisberger has to answer before returning to Steelers

Is he willing to lose?

This may sound like a harsh reality, but the Steelers will more than likely not be competing for a Super Bowl next year. Could they make the playoffs or even win the division? Sure, but the team is set to lose a lot of talent this offseason, and it will be nearly impossible to field a better roster than what was seen this year. The team can be successful, yes, but they won’t be as dominant as they were this season.

This was one of the appeals of having Mason Rudolph or even a Dwayne Haskins starting next season. Either would get another chance to prove their starting ability and if both failed, then the team would secure a better draft spot to get their next quarterback. Out of all the options, Roethlisberger gives the Steelers the best chance to win, but they are still facing quite the climb to be considered Super Bowl options.

That means that if Roethlisberger wants to return in 2021, he needs to acknowledge that he likely won’t go out as a Super Bowl champion, and there is a real chance the team doesn’t even make the playoffs. The Steelers will only be able to do so much this offseason given the departing talent, and the returning roster has to expect regression. If Roethlisberger returns, he would have to acknowledge this as well.