Steelers 2021 offseason moves leading up to the draft

4. Roethlisberger to return for another season, taking yet another pay-cut

There has been plenty of discussion over many years that Roethlisberger’s performance has decreased, receiving numerous injuries, and wanting to spend more time with his family, it was going to be a matter of time that he would announce his retirement. Not only that, the 3 quarterbacks that preceded his draft selection in 2004 can give a clue about when it is time to be done: Drew Brees, Eli Manning, and Philip Rivers. The other quarterback drafted prior to 2004 that is still active in the league is Tom Brady.

As fans, we know that Roethlisberger has taken nasty hits, but he keeps getting back up and it is not in his DNA to give up until he accomplishes his goals and he feels that there is nothing left to prove. His remaining goal is to win one more Lombardi trophy to prove through all the debacles and turmoil, he still can get the job done.

That being said, money has always been up for debate as the number one quarterback on the roster, and given how many years he’s been in the league as a part of the Steelers organization he was set to bring in a large portion of Pittsburgh’s cap space.

Roethlisberger wants to make enough of a living for his wife and children and although more money would be nice, Ben does not seem to value money and fame more than family and life after football. Every season, Ben, his agent, and the Rooney family negotiates his contract details and obligations to make both parties happy before each season begins. He understands the benefits for the team and his family, and as a result, he has always been content to take a pay-cut and he did so when this offseason began.