Ben Roethlisberger

Latest On Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger

Steelers Set Deadline To Restructure Ben Roethlisberger

The Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have committed to tweaking his contract to allow him to come back for the 2021 season. The first day of the new league year is Wednesday, March 17, which is the opening of free agency and also when teams must be compliant with the 2021 salary cap. That means that the deadline for the Steelers and Big Ben to get a new deal worked out is March 17. "His arm, I would say, is as strong or almost as strong as ever, so I think he's certainly capable of getting the job done," president Art Rooney II said. The 39-year-old threw for 3,803 yards, 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2020, but age and injury concerns will make him a shaky QB1 option for fantasy managers in what will likely be his last season.

Feb 26 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger's Agent Says He'll Start In 2021

According to Ryan Tollner, the agent for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers want the quarterback to return as their starter for the 2021 season. Tollner told ESPN beat reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala that he expects the Steelers to contact him soon in regards to restructuring his contract, which currently has over a $40 million cap hit for the upcoming season. Of Roethlisberger, Tollner stated, "The fire burns strong and there is still plenty of gas left in the tank." This puts to rest speculation that the Steelers could move on with a different starting quarterback under center for the 2021 season, speculation that was partially fueled by general manager Kevin Colbert's comments in a press conference last week. Even with Big Ben expected back, the team could look to address adding their quarterback of the future in the offseason, either in the NFL draft or via free agency.

Feb 23 · Source via

Pittsburgh GM Won't Commit To Ben Roethlisberger As Starter

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert would not commit to Ben Roethlisberger as the team's starting quarterback for the 2021 season after being asked about the signal-caller's status several times during a press conference on Wednesday. Colbert stated, "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." While this doesn't rule Roethlisberger out as the team's quarterback, Colbert was given a chance to endorse Big Ben as the starter and passed on the opportunity. The Steelers signed Dwayne Haskins Jr. earlier in the offseason but he isn't expected to be the team's starter heading into next year. The Steelers are over the salary cap this offseason and will be hard-pressed to improve the team via free-agency in March, meaning that chances are likely that Roethlisberger is the team's QB come kickoff in 2021.

Feb 17 · Source via

JuJu Smith-Schuster 'would love to come back' to Pittsburgh next season

Ben Roethlisberger Wants To Return In 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II said that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has told the team that he wants to return in 2021. However, the Steelers cannot afford Roethlisberger's $41.2 million salary cap hit. But if the two sides can agree to a contract alteration for the 2021 season, Roethlisberger is expected to return, and he is saying that he doesn't care about his 2021 salary. Big Ben will turn 39 years old in March and looked like an aging quarterback near the end of his career during the 2020 season. The six-time Pro Bowler finished last year with 3,803 passing yards with a 65.6 completion percentage, 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He played in only two games in 2019 due to a season-ending elbow injury that required surgery. It's still not a certainty that Roethlisberger returns, but if he does, his declining skill set will make him a low-upside QB2.

Jan 28 · Source via

Coaching Notes: Steelers, Cowboys, Giants

Steelers Expect Ben Roethlisberger To Return In 2021

There is optimism within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will return for the 2021 season. Head coach Mike Tomlin welcomed the return of Roethlisberger earlier in the week. The Steelers are expected to promote quarterbacks coach Matt Canada to offensive coordinator after parting ways with Randy Fichtner. Roethlisberger is on the books for $19 million in the final year of his contract, but he has a salary cap hit of $41 million. But after being with the organization for 17 years, there's a good chance that the two sides restructure his deal to alleviate cap concerns in order to retain some free agents. Big Ben threw for over 500 yards and four touchdowns in the wild-card loss to the Browns, but he also threw four interceptions in that game and declined drastically in the last quarter of the season and will be a health concern if he continues to play. Fantasy managers will consider him as a low-upside QB2 if he keeps playing.

Jan 16 · Source via

Steelers Parting Ways With Randy Fichtner

The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, according to a source. Fichtner's contract was due to expire at the start of the new league year, so the club will not renew his deal. He joined the Steelers in 2007, head coach Mike Tomlin's first year with the team. Offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett and defensive backs coach Tom Bradley also won't have their contracts renewed. Fichtner started as the team's wide receivers coach, a title he held for three seasons before moving to quarterbacks coach and working with Ben Roethlisberger. He was in that role for eight seasons before becoming offensive coordinator in 2018. Big Ben threw for 5,129 yards in 2018, but he was hurt all of last year and declined throughout the year in 2020.

Jan 14 · Source via

Mike Tomlin Vague On Ben Roethlisberger Returning In 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was vague when asked if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be back in 2021. Roethlisberger has been with the team for the last 17 seasons, but he turned in a playoff-worst four interceptions in the wild-card loss to the Browns, raising questions about his future. Big Ben will turn 39 on March 2. He completed 68 percent of his throws for 18 touchdowns and four interceptions in Weeks 1-9, but those numbers dipped to 63.4 percent, 15 TDs and six picks in Weeks 10-16. Tomlin said there was a "high level of concern" regarding Roethlisberger's health but wouldn't rule out the possibility that he returns for an 18th season. On top of it, his $41.25 million salary cap hit will make for an extremely tough decision in Pittsburgh this offseason. If Big Ben does return, his health and level of play will be big concerns, making him a low-end QB2 target for fantasy managers.

Jan 13 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Throws Four INTs In Playoff Loss

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger struggled in a 48-37 loss to the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Roethlisberger completed 47 of 68 passes for 501 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions in the stunning upset loss. The Steelers offense got off to a nightmare start in the game, with Roethlisberger fumbling a poor snap on the first play of the game. The Browns recovered the ball for a defensive touchdown on the play. The veteran quarterback will be 39 at the start of the 2021 season and his play tailed off significantly as the past season wore on. He is still under contract through the end of next season and has already stated that he does not intend to retire. The team is also unlikely to move off of him as his release would result in a $22.25 million dead cap hit. He is shaping up as a low-end QB2 for fantasy in 2021.

Jan 11 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger A Solid Fantasy Option For Wild-Card Round

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday night in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Roethlisberger should be fresh after the team rested him during Week 17's loss to Cleveland. The Browns represent a plus matchup for fantasy quarterbacks, as they ranked 25th in pass-defense DVOA and allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position during the regular season. Roethlisberger's production tailed off as the season went on, but his matchup against Cleveland makes him worth considering for fantasy playoff contests. Treat him as a mid-range QB1 for the slate of games this weekend.

Jan 7 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Throw Three TDs Vs. Colts

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed 34 of 49 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. Roethlisberger and the Steelers got off to a slow start in the game but were able to complete the comeback victory with three second-half touchdowns. The veteran quarterback had been struggling in the previous three games, so his Week 16 performance was slightly unexpected, especially considering it came against a tough Colts Defense. Roethlisberger will finish off the regular season with a plus matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

Dec 27 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Has Arthritic Knees

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knees) is healthier now than he has been all season heading into a Week 16 matchup with the Colts, but he has been managing arthritic knees this season and suffered a hyperextended knee in Week 13. Roethlisberger will have to continually monitor his knees for however long he wants to keep playing in the NFL. Big Ben is a tough dude, but he's getting older and these issues aren't going away. He also had surgery on his right elbow last year, but the Steelers believe his arm is good. The 38-year-old just has not looked good at all during the team's three-game losing streak, but it's not all on him, as the offensive line has been really bad as well. Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh offense have really struggled to push the ball down the field, and that won't get easier in Week 16 against a tough Colts Defense. In fantasy championship matchups, Roethlisberger should be considered a QB2.

Dec 27 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Tough To Trust In Week 16

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has struggled through his past two games, having failed to throw for more than 187 yards over that span. The veteran quarterback has also thrown an interception in five straight games after getting off to a fast start to the year. Things won't get much easier for him in Week 16 as he draws a difficult matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis ranks sixth in pass-defense DVOA and is allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to the quarterback position. Fantasy managers playing in championship games should look elsewhere for a starting quarterback this weekend. Treat Roethlisberger as a low-end QB2 in fantasy.

Dec 24 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Looking His Age

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a sub-90 passer rating in five straight games, tying the longest single-season streak of his career in Weeks 13-17 back in 2008. He's also had fewer than 6.0 yards per attempt in five straight games, the longest streak of his career and the longest active NFL streak. Since Week 11, Roethlisberger has a 77.5 passer rating, ranking 29th out of 34 QBs with two or more starts. He leads the NFL with 559 pass attempts this year, but his 3,462 passing yards are 15th-most -- his 6.2 yards per attempt ranks 31st out of 36 qualified QBs. Fantasy managers just can't trust the 38-year-old in single-QB leagues against the Colts in Week 16 with a fantasy title on the line. The Colts Defense has been more vulnerable to the QB position in fantasy in recent weeks, but Roethlisberger has fallen into QB2 territory to close out the regular season.

Dec 23 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Struggles In Loss To Cincinnati

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger struggled in a 27-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15. Roethlisberger completed 20 of 38 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the surprising loss to their divisional rivals. The Steelers got off to an extremely slow start in the game, with Roethlisberger completing just seven of 16 passes for 19 yards in the first half. He heated up after halftime but was unable to lead his team to a comeback win against the last-place Bengals. Roethlisberger will take on the Indianapolis Colts at home in Week 16.

Dec 21 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Intends To Return In 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wants to keep playing next season and fulfill the terms of his contract with one season remaining, barring a change of heart, according to sources. The 2020 season has taken a physical toll on the 38-year-old, but sources around him think he's having too much fun to walk away after this season. Roethlisberger missed most of 2019 due to an elbow injury that required surgery, but the six-time Pro Bowler has thrown for 3,292 yards and 29 touchdowns in 13 games so far this year. Big Ben has remained healthy but has struggled in recent weeks in back-to-back losses. He can still throw the deep ball and has a nice collection of talent around him, but his fantasy ceiling has definitely come down and he remains an injury risk as a high-end QB2/low-end QB1 most weeks. He should bounce back on Monday night against the Bengals to finish out Week 15.

Dec 21 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger A Low-End QB1 In Week 15

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will head to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals on Monday night in Week 15. Roethlisberger will look for an encore performance after he threw for 333 yards and four touchdowns back when these two teams met in Week 10. The Bengals should allow another big game to Big Ben this week as they rank 29th in the league in pass-defense DVOA. While much has been made of Roethlisberger's low yards per pass attempt, the reality is that he continues to get the job done, having thrown multiple touchdowns in all but two games this season. Fantasy gamers can trust Roethlisberger as a low-end QB1 for Week 15.

Dec 17 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Throws Two Picks In Loss

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger struggled in a 26-15 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 14. Roethlisberger completed 21 of 37 passes for 187 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions against Buffalo. Both of his interceptions were painful as Roethlisberger threw a pick-six right before halftime and then another pick in the fourth quarter which ruined any chance at a comeback win. While it wasn't a great performance out of Roethlisberger, his receivers did him few favors, committing several drops along the way. Look for the veteran quarterback to bounce back in a plus matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15.

Dec 14 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger A Low-End QB1 For Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will take on the Bills in Buffalo in Week 14. Roethlisberger has been extremely consistent this season, throwing at least two touchdowns in all but two games. While he hasn't posted many huge weeks, Roethlisberger has settled in as a consistent source of fantasy points who won't ruin your week with a poor performance. After getting off to a rough start, Buffalo's pass defense has improved as the season has gone on but this still isn't a foreboding matchup. Overall, the Bills rank 14th in pass defense DVOA and are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the quarterback position. Roethlisberger can be treated as a low-end QB1 for Week 14.

Dec 11 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger's Knee Improving

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee) was listed as not practicing on Wednesday for non-injury reasons, which is an indication that his ailing knee has improved. Leading up to Week 13, Roethlisberger didn't practice at all because of his knee, but it looks like his knee has improved ahead of a Week 14 date with the Bills on Sunday night. Big Ben threw for 305 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the loss on Monday to the Washington Football Team, which was an improvement over a poor performance the following Wednesday in a win over the Ravens. Getting running back James Conner back this weekend should allow Pittsburgh's offense to be much more balanced and effective, making Roethlisberger a low-end QB1 against Buffalo. The Bills Defense has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to signal-callers this season.

Dec 9 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Throws Two TDs In Loss

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his team took their first loss of the season in Week 13 as the Washington Football Team beat them 23-17. Roethlisberger completed 33 of 53 passes for 305 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the loss. He got off to a fast start, throwing both of his touchdown passes in the second quarter but the Steelers were only able to manage a single field goal in the second half. To make matters worse, Roethlisberger's interception right before the two-minute warning essentially ended Pittsburgh's chances of a comeback win. While it has been a few weeks since fantasy gamers have seen a ceiling game out of the veteran QB, Roethlisberger remains a solid fantasy option going forward. Roethlisberger will look to get back in the win column in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills.

Dec 7 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger Expected To Play Against Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee) is expected to play Monday against the Washington Football Team as the Steelers look to remain undefeated. It appears that Roethlisberger's practice absences this week were more about getting the veteran QB some rest than about him potentially missing a week of action. Washington isn't a great matchup for Roethlisberger, as they allow the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position, but he's still a high-end QB2 option.

Dec 6 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger, Chris Boswell Questionable

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee) and kicker Chris Boswell (hip) are both listed as questionable for Week 13 against Washington on Monday. Roethlisberger didn't practice all week, but the Steelers also list him with a non-injury, so it's likely that they just gave the 17-year veteran some extra rest after a Wednesday game in Week 12. Big Ben didn't look very great against a tough Ravens Defense last week and will be facing a Washington defense that has allowed a league-low 216 passing yards per game. Expect Roethlisberger to play in this one, where he'll be a low-end QB1/high-end QB2. Boswell popped up on the injury report on Saturday and didn't practice, so he could be in danger of sitting out. If he's active, though, he should be a low-end kicking option in 12-team leagues. The 29-year-old has gone 18-for-19 on field goals this season.

Dec 5 · Source via

Ben Roethlisberger A Low-End QB1 In Vs. Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger turned in a slow performance in a 19-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12, throwing just one touchdown despite attempting 51 passes. He will look to bounce back in Week 13 against the Washington Football Team in a contest that will be on Monday evening at 5:00 PM EST. Washington's pass defense has been solid this season, ranking third in DVOA and allowing the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to the quarterback position. Roethlisberger has enough weapons around him to trust as a low-end QB1 in fantasy but don't expect a ceiling game out of him this weekend.

Dec 4 · Source via