It seems inconceivable that Ben Roethlisberger could suit up for another NFL team. But then again, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning eventually switched allegiances.
If Roethlisberger wants to play in 2022, he may have no choice.
The Athletic's Jeff Howe wrote a column Thursday outlining the star quarterbacks who could potentially change teams this offseason: Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson; and yes, Ben Roethlisberger.
"Roethlisberger, who turns 40 in March, could retire and remove himself from this list," Howe writes. "But if he's got the itch to play and the Steelers make the hard decision to part ways with the franchise icon, Roethlisberger could help a ready-made contender like the Saints or work as a bridge quarterback in Green Bay or Seattle if either team trades their star signal caller."
It's apparent Mike Tomlin doesn't have the patience to groom an heir apparent. NFL Insider Jay Glazer, with whom Tomlin is close, reported Wednesday the Steelers "don't want to start from scratch with a rookie QB next season."
And don't worry: that's not code for Mason Rudolph. Glazer said he thinks the Steelers would "go after somebody" to replace Roethlisberger.
"It's kind of up to Ben, kind of like how it was with Drew Brews with the Saints too, it's like we're not going to push him out as long as he wants to go," Glazer said.
He went on to mention several of the big-name quarterbacks who could be available.
If Roethlisberger wants to play next season — and that's far from definitive — it would be tough for the Steelers to move on, as Glazer mentioned. Big Ben has rebounded in 2021, completing 67.4% of his passes for 953 yards and six touchdowns with no picks over his last four games.
But still: it would be hard to pass up Rodgers or Wilson.
Wilson, who publicly voiced his frustrations with the Seahawks last offseason, may ask for a trade this time around. He's struggled under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was hired with Wilson's blessing.
The Seahawks have already lost as many games (six) in any season since 2018.
Rodgers could also revisit his grievances with the Packers, though he's hinted he now plans to stay in Green Bay past 2021. He said recently it didn't feel like he had played his last game at Soldiers Field, for example.
Either way, the Steelers can void Roethlisberger's deal in 2022, so they'll be in control. Ironically, acquiring Rodgers or Wilson could open up another avenue for Roethlisberger. As Howe mentioned, Roethlisberger could be a bridge quarterback for an array of contenders.
Swapping Roethlisberger for Rodgers? Now we're talking. In the game of QB musical chairs, it shouldn't be assumed that Roethlisberger would be the one left standing.
