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Three weeks in the past, Steelers proprietor Artwork Rooney II mentioned there was “work to be carried out” concerning the adjustment of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s contract to afford a extra amenable cap determine than the present cost of $41.25 million for 2021.
Roethlisberger responded by saying, “I don’t care about my pay in any respect this yr.”
That assertion is a whopper of a lie, and shall be examined.
The Steelers’ intent appears to be to nudge Roethlisberger out the door, ideally with him “retiring” in the identical spirit offensive coordinator Bruce Arians did in 2011 (however with out becoming a member of one other workforce).
You bear in mind Arians. He simply coached Tampa Bay to a Tremendous Bowl win.
GM Kevin Colbert spoke ominously about Roethlisberger Wednesday. Phrases like “might,” “hopefully” and “what’s greatest for the group” translate to “sayonara.” An endorsement of Roethlisberger’s return was pointedly prevented.
Let’s see who blinks. However Roethlisberger appears carried out.
The Steelers determine to lowball Roethlisberger financially. He’s due $19 million for 2021. Right here’s betting the Steelers supply lower than half that in hope that Roethlisberger quits.
The thought is to make Roethlisberger the unhealthy man on his method out the door. If he refuses to simply accept a gratuitous pay lower, mission completed. Roethlisberger’s verbiage upon departure would probably swimsuit that function, too, as a result of he can’t assist himself.
The one method Roethlisberger can double-cross the Steelers is by accepting a minuscule supply. It will be attention-grabbing to see what the Steelers do then.
All this is sensible from the Steelers’ viewpoint.
Even with Roethlisberger, the Steelers aren’t a playoff workforce. It’s higher to go 5-11 than 8-8 due to the draft benefits. If Roethlisberger performs, new offensive coordinator Matt Canada will be capable to use a mere fraction of his most popular scheme. At 38, Roethlisberger clearly faltered down the stretch: In his final seven video games, Roethlisberger’s passer score cracked 90 simply as soon as and he threw 10 interceptions. At 39, he gained’t end stronger.
It is sensible to not carry again Roethlisberger.
However after 17 seasons, a Corridor-of-Fame profession and two Tremendous Bowl wins, isn’t Roethlisberger at the very least owed honesty? Should you don’t need him, lower him. Don’t do that dance.
However that is how the Steelers function. At all times have. They don’t care about fracturing relationships if it fits their agenda, even when these relationships are with franchise legends. Take a look at what occurred with Franco Harris, Terry Bradshaw, Troy Polamalu and James Harrison.
Just one title issues with the Steelers. That title is Rooney.
The Steelers have gained six Tremendous Bowls. They’ve 23 gamers and two coaches within the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame.
There’s one statue. It’s Artwork Rooney Sr., the workforce’s founder and authentic proprietor. If there’s a subsequent one, it gained’t be a participant. Will probably be Dan Rooney, Artwork Sr.’s son and Artwork II’s father.
There’s an Immaculate Reception monument, too. It honors Harris’ iconic second. However Harris went to Seattle in 1984 when he was poised to interrupt Jim Brown’s NFL profession dashing file. The Steelers lowballed Harris on cash, then lower him. He had gained 1,007 yards in 1983. Coach Chuck Noll ushered Harris out of Pittsburgh by saying, “Franco who?”
Just one title issues.
By the best way, when Roethlisberger is requested to take a pay lower, yinz militantly count on him to do what’s greatest for the workforce.
When JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool and previous dolts unleash a continuous torrent of stupidity within the title of branding that damages the tradition, creates distraction, motivates the opposition and makes the franchise and coach Mike Tomlin look dumb, they get help as a result of they’re having enjoyable and residing their greatest lives. Why don’t yinz need them to do what’s greatest for the workforce?
I’ll hold up and hear.
Classes:
Mark Madden Columns | Sports activities | Steelers/NFL
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