Ben Roethlisberger puts Steelers in tough spot with JuJu Smith-Schuster

Ben Roethlisberger reportedly needs to return in 2021 and have JuJu Smith-Schuster again on the sphere as considered one of his prime targets. 

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers have been shocked by the Cleveland Browns final Sunday. The veteran quarterback tossed 4 interceptions and sat on the bench following the sport, visibly getting emotional.

Did this imply his profession had come to a detailed? NFL Community’s Mike Garafolo reported the Steelers count on Roethlisberger again for yet one more go, and in addition that he will want JuJu Smith-Schuster and different free brokers again as nicely.

Roethlisberger needs to run it again, places crew in robust spot

Each Smith-Schuster and James Conner are free brokers this offseason. The one life like means the crew can maintain each, as Garafolo explains, is to signal Roethlisberger to an extension that pushes his $41.25 million cap hit out over a number of years. The additional years could be concerning the cash and never about having him play one other a number of seasons.

Nonetheless, each gamers aren’t going to need minimal offers. The team is already projected to be $20 million over the cap and Roethlisberger returning means he’ll dominate the wage desk, even when his 2021 cap hit is decreased.

Large receiver is already a place of power and the Steelers might have to inform their quarterback preserving Smith-Schuster simply isn’t possible. Large receiver is a place of power for Pittsburgh. Signing JuJu means cash that might be going to, say, Bud Dupree or Joe Haden will go to a participant the Steelers may not essentially must contend. It’s unlucky, however true.

Maybe Roethlisberger would have retired if the Steelers gained the Tremendous Bowl. However falling to the Browns within the Wild Card spherical in entrance of solely family and friends within the stands? That simply didn’t appear proper and incomes practically $20 million in 2021 ought to assist his determination as nicely.

Whereas his cash can be good for his checking account, it might harm the roster in 2021. Gamers like Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson should proceed to step up because the Steelers will attempt to chase yet one more Tremendous Bowl earlier than Large Ben hangs up his cleats for good. Getting essentially the most out of gamers on minimal offers can be key to that.