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Ben Roethlisberger announces return to Steelers

By Conor Myles

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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No surprise here, Big Ben will be returning to the Steelers for his 14th season.

There’s no need to panic, Steelers Nation, as you probably weren’t anyways. Ben Roethlisberger announced on his Twitter account today that he will be returning to the team for his 14th season in the NFL.

This was an expected move. Roethlisberger was considering retirement at the conclusion of the 2016 season once the Steelers lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship, but it wasn’t discussed as a possibility since.

The Steelers went about their offseason locking up their star wide receiver Antonio Brown to a long-term deal and placing the franchise tag on stud running back Le’Veon Bell.

The team must of felt that their franchise quarterback was always going to return from the start and locking up their key guys for a ‘win-now’ mentality proved that.

What is funny is the timing of Roethlisberger’s announcement. The Steelers just had in projected first-round quarterback Patrick Mahomes for a pre-draft visit and have spent time looking into this quarterback class prior to the NFL Draft.

Of course, this could just be the Steelers planning for the future as well, especially with retirement already creeping into the back of Roethlisberger’s mind.

Roethlisberger recently turned 35 in March and has had his fair share of injuries in the NFL spread out over his 14 seasons in the league.

The two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback has missed seven games the last two seasons and has dealt with numerous concussions throughout his career. He might have an end date in mind, but he has yet to announce it, and it won’t happen this upcoming season.

It’s also interesting to point out that Roethlisberger was in attendance when ex-Tennessee quarterback and rising prospect Joshua Dobbs visited the Steelers facility for a pre-draft visit.

Next: 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Browns land stud QB prospects

Clearly, Roethlisberger knows the end is in sight, and he’s prepared to help the Steelers find his heir apparent, but he’s ready to suit up for the 2017 season, which could ultimately be his last.