The Pittsburgh Steelers don't seem to be any closer to a final decision on the return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. General Manager Kevin Colbert spoke with the local media today and gave some interesting quotes to the ongoing saga.
Steelers GM Kevin Colbert doesn't give a strong endorsement for Ben Roethlisberger as QB in 2021: "As we sit here today, Ben is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. ... He reiterated to us that he wants to continue to play. We told him we have to look at this current situation."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 17, 2021
This is the quote that if you read between the lines, sounds really bad. This gives the sense that there is a good chance Roethlisberger won't play for the Steelers in 2021. With a franchise quarterback, you should never have to specify that "right now" he is our quarterback. For Colbert to throw in the phase "as we sit here today," really tells me that one side is not set in stone on the other. Take the Jared Goff situation into consideration. Sean McVay was asked after their postseason defeat if Goff is their quarterback, and he said, "Yes, he's our quarterback right now." Again using keywords talking about the period of time they are in at that exact moment.
More Colbert: "Ben Roethlisberger did a lot of really good things last year. We anticipate that he could still do really good things going forward. Hopefully we can figure out how to do what’s best for the organization and for Ben. Hopefully he’ll be able to see that." https://t.co/9cVUDd6QJx
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 17, 2021
Colbert does state he thinks Roethlisberger is still capable to perform well next season but continues to use words that cast doubt. Whenever a team has to use the phrase "best for the organization" you know a not so popular move is coming in the near future.
Kevin Colbert also declines to say if they met with Roethlisberger last week. Says figuring out the situation is ongoing.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 17, 2021
"It involves the players around him. I’m sure he’s going to to want to see what type of team we can keep together under our current situation."
This is the quote I don't necessarily understand. 100% of free agency starts with Roethlisberger. If he is truly waiting to see what the Steelers can do in terms of who they retain/bring in, the first step in that process is reworking his contract. The issue with this is, if he isn't happy with the players, would he just retire? No point in the Steelers reworking a contract with the intent he is playing, only for him to turn around and bid them farewell.
All in all, Colbert's quotes didn't due much outside rejuvenate the speculation on Roethlisberger's return. At this point, I would just like the whole saga to be done with so as a fan we can have a clear indication of the team moving forward.
What do you think about Colbert's comments today? Drop a comment below!
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