Ben Roethlisberger puts Steelers in tough spot with JuJu Smith-Schuster
Ben Roethlisberger reportedly wants to return in 2021 and have JuJu Smith-Schuster back on the field as one of his top targets.
Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers were shocked by the Cleveland Browns last Sunday. The veteran quarterback tossed four interceptions and sat on the bench following the game, visibly getting emotional.
Did this mean his career had come to a close? NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the Steelers expect Roethlisberger back for one more go, and also that he will want JuJu Smith-Schuster and other free agents back as well.
From @gmfb Weekend on optimism Ben Roethlisberger will be back with the #Steelers in 2021. pic.twitter.com/oJY9XaA8Th
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 16, 2021
Roethlisberger wants to run it back, puts team in tough spot
Both Smith-Schuster and James Conner are free agents this offseason. The only realistic way the team can keep both, as Garafolo explains, is to sign Roethlisberger to an extension that pushes his $41.25 million cap hit out over several years. The extra years would be about the money and not about having him play another several seasons.
However, both players aren’t going to want minimum deals. The team is already projected to be $20 million over the cap and Roethlisberger returning means he will dominate the salary table, even if his 2021 cap hit is reduced.
Wide receiver is already a position of strength and the Steelers may have to tell their quarterback keeping Smith-Schuster just isn’t feasible. Wide receiver is a position of strength for Pittsburgh. Signing JuJu means money that could be going to, say, Bud Dupree or Joe Haden will go to a player the Steelers might not necessarily need to contend. It’s unfortunate, but true.
Perhaps Roethlisberger would have retired if the Steelers won the Super Bowl. But falling to the Browns in the Wild Card round in front of only friends and family in the stands? That just didn’t seem right and earning nearly $20 million in 2021 should help his decision as well.
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While his money will be nice for his bank account, it could hurt the roster in 2021. Players like Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson will have to continue to step up as the Steelers will try to chase one more Super Bowl before Big Ben hangs up his cleats for good. Getting the most out of players on minimum deals will be key to that.