Speaking after today’s Divisional Round loss to the Jaguars, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told reporters that he plans to continue his NFL career in 2018.
“I don’t know everybody’s contract situation, but I know the guys up front are signed, and that’s good for me,” said Roethlisberger. “So I look forward to next year with those guys.”
Roethlisberger, 35, mulled retirement prior to the 2017 campaign, and further reports indicated he could consider hanging up his cleats again this offseason. But following a season which was largely in line with his career norms (64.2% completion rate, 28 touchdowns, 92.4 quarterback rating), Roethlisberger sounds as though he’s eager to return in 2018.
As Roethlisberger alluded to, Pittsburgh’s starting offensive line is signed through at least 2018. But one of Roethlisberger’s key weapons — running back Le’Veon Bell — is a pending free agent and has threatened to retire if he’s franchise-tagged for a second consecutive season. Changes could theoretically occur on the Steelers’ coaching staff, as well, as Roethlisberger’s relationship with offensive coordinator Todd Haley is said to be especially strained.
The Steelers don’t have much of a succession plan to replace Roethlisberger for the long term, as neither backup Landry Jones or 2017 fourth-round pick Joshua Dobbs are considered realistic starters. As such, Pittsburgh has been eyeing 2018 draft-eligible quarterbacks closely, per Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (Twitter link), and could select a passer in this year’s draft.
He’s got 3 more years in him before hanging up the cleats. The money he collects is too hard to turn down and fade away…
I think he plays out his contract which I think has one more year left on it u less I’m wrong. But either way I think he only plays one more season. They gotta draft a QB and start thinking about the future
at times this year, you could tell Ben’s heart isn’t in the game anymore. just looks uninterested in playing. If anything, the Steelers need to fire Tomlin. OC Haley is fine but the head coach did not have his team ready today
The whole coaching staff should go. Haley is horrible. Tomlin is just collecting a paycheck.
Oh boy… so shocking **eyeroll**
This big goof is such a drama queen.
Why? Because a reporter asked a question and he responded?
Because he started this nonsense by suggesting it
And he isn’t entitled to even consider retirement publicly?
No. Not unless he’s serious… which he’s not. He’s a drama queen. It’s all about him and his attention grabbing. He should worry more about actually playing the game instead… then all these choke jobs and brain farts and mountain of excuses and blame shifting might not be so prevalent.
…but probably not.
A YEAR ago. Damn get over it already
2 years ago.
Anyone who has followed Ben’s career knows he’s simultaneously the toughest QB of his generation on the field and a needy drama queen off the field.
Don’t forget choker and excuse maker!
At least he settled down and left the college girls alone, they can breath a sigh of relief he’ll be busy on weekends at least next year.
“Sooner or later, the game is gonna get you.” -Joe Namath