Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger take big step toward 2021 return

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers made progress on co-existing in the 2021 NFL season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger are likely to come to an agreement on a restructured contract that will see him play out the 2021 season on a reduced salary to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

Roethlisberger has previously acknowledged he’d take a reduced salary if it meant he’d return to the only team he’s ever played for earlier in the offseason. After meeting with team president Art Rooney II to discuss his future with the organization and it reportedly went well.

Ben Roethlisberger is likely to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Roethlisberger carries a $41.25 million dead cap, which is far too high of a number for the type of performance he displayed last year. Roethlisberger and the Steelers can reduce the strain on the salary cap to a degree, but he’ll still command a huge chunk of the cap. With the salary cap yet to be determined for the upcoming season, it’s possible a reduced salary may not come with the same type of savings if the salary cap is shrunk beyond what’s already expected.

In short, any type of savings the Steelers can get with Roethlisberger’s contract, it’ll go a long way toward re-signing their own players and making a splash in free agency. And by a splash in free agency, that could include signing former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt to pair him with brothers T.J. and Derek Watt. Those savings can also go toward helping Roethlisberger by upgrading the offensive line, receivers, tight ends and running backs that are supporting the veteran signal-caller.

Parting ways with Roethlisberger doesn’t make much sense from a financial or on-field sentiment. The Steelers won’t be in a position to draft his replacement, sign his successor and Mason Rudolph is not competent to step in and be a starter. The Steelers’ best hope is Roethlisberger comes in healthy, rejuvenated and motivated to finish his career on a more positive note after a sour playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns.

He and the Steelers took the first step toward accomplishing that today.