Home Player Spotlight Roethlisberger Contract Situation Creating Unnecessary Drama

Roethlisberger Contract Situation Creating Unnecessary Drama

by Steeldad

If you consider yourself a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers at all then you know that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is entering the final year of his contract. This might not sound like a big deal but it is and it’s also creating a lot of consternation among “The Nation.”

I can’t tell you how many tweets I’ve seen on my timeline in recent days about Roethlisberger’s lack of a contract extension. It’s been a hot topic and that’s saying something because it is just early February.

But then again, that’s the point.

Free agency will start on March 10th which is just about a month from now. One would think that the Steelers would like to have Roethlisberger’s extension done by then so they have a better idea of what they’ll have to spend.

I expect to see the Steelers start making some roster moves sooner rather than later and this will greatly impact how they are going to proceed with Roethlisberger.

What Art Rooney II has made clear is that the team intends to get an extension done but he’s also been clear that there is no rush. That’s fine but I don’t see this going well if a new deal isn’t in place as we approach free agency. Take that a step further. Imagine if Roethlisberger enters camp without a new deal in place.

Roethlisberger hasn’t won a playoff game since the run to Super Bowl XLV but then again Andy Dalton and Jay Cutler got massive extensions without winning jack squat.

Even with a new deal for the two-time Super Bowl champion, the Steelers will be free from salary cap hell in 2016. They could be as much as $60 million in the clear for that matter. Thus, this should not be an impediment to get a deal done.

It’s highly likely in my opinion that that Steelers will look for a deal that puts the bulk of the money up front and allows them some leeway should things not go well for Roethlisberger in terms of injury. I honestly can’t see them agreeing to anything other than that with the quarterback turning 33 years old on March 2nd.

Now for those who believe Roethlisberger may in fact never be extended, I see the argument. This is the same song and dance they gave Alan Faneca and we know how that ended up. Therefore, why is letting Roethlisberger walk idiotic?

Here’s why; because quarterbacks like this don’t grow on trees. At pick number 22 in the draft, are you really planning to get your next all-pro quarterback there? Are you thinking Bruce Gradkowski or Landry Jones are going to step in a replace Roethlisberger?

Heaven help us if this happens…

The Steelers would be foolish to let one of the top quarterbacks in the game leave. So foolish in fact I just can’t see it happening but I’ve learned to never say “never.”

The Steelers need to get this done.

 

 

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8 comments

John F. Murphy February 9, 2015 - 2:10 pm

Just be patient… Steelers aren’t goin anywhere…

steelbydesign February 9, 2015 - 2:13 pm

Steelers fans should take a note from Aaron Rodgers and R-E-L-A-X

Contracts are a complicated process and it may take some time. I agree it’d be nice to get it done before the start of free agency, but it’s not like the Steelers are going to go nuts in the first week regardless.

When Ben last signed his new deal in 2008, he finalized it on March 2nd… and the team likely knew for about a week what kind of cap room they were going to have.

Tony v February 9, 2015 - 6:42 pm

I’ve been a pit fan my entire life , but if they let Ben walk I would probably find a new team also! That would be the dumbest decision I’ve seen them ever make !!

Ron Strait February 9, 2015 - 7:55 pm

Though letting Ben go would be foolish, your statement is not that of a Fan who bleeds Black and Gold. Wow, I stand behind my Steelers thru it all, and have since 1968. Please refrain from posting band wagoners comments, it makes you look bad and if that how you feel just do it, as either way, The Rooney’s
are going to do what they feel best for the team with what they have to work with. Go Steelers!

steeldad February 9, 2015 - 8:09 pm

Thanks for commenting Ron. I’m confused as to what statement I made that makes me less of a fan? All I did was provide the fact that there are those who believe Ben won’t be a Steeler in the near future. I would not have been doing things right if I avoided that sentiment. Regardless of who the QB is I’m a Steelers fan first and that will never change.

Rock February 9, 2015 - 10:43 pm

Ben is not going anywhere. Look for a 5 year deal

steeldad February 10, 2015 - 1:11 am

Wouldn’t be surprised to see five years. Also, don’t be shocked to see some incentives related to weight. He’s packed on weight through the seasons the last few years and I hear Tomlin is not crazy about it.

Dennis February 27, 2015 - 5:42 pm

Could the Steelers be planning a surprise? A trade to Tennessee to pick up Marcus Mariotta, a second rounder this year, and a first rounder next year would move us into the next generation of Steelers football

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