Steelers, Big Ben agree to deal
more freedom, but Pittsburgh is facing several high-profile departures in free agency.
Wide receiver Juju Smithschuster, outside linebacker Bud Dupree, running back James Conner and left tackle Alejandro Villanueva are among more than a dozen Steelers who will hit the open market this month.
Conner and Villanueva are unlikely to be brought back after underwhelming play in 2020. Smith-schuster and Dupree have likely priced themselves out of a return.
Throw in the retirements of center Maurkice Pouncey and tight end Vance Mcdonald and the decision to part with offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner — all three of whom have a close relationship with Roethlisberger — and the veteran quarterback will find himself in the midst of an overhaul.
The franchise’s leader in just about every major statistical passing category remains, he was at the controls of an offense that finished last in the NFL in yards rushing and yards per rushing attempt. Those are numbers the front office said it will spend the offseason trying to improve.
Pittsburgh has the 24 th pick in the draft and several glaring needs, particularly along the offensive line. If left guard Matt Feiler — also a free agent — doesn’t come back, Roethlisberger could find himself playing behind a line with three new starters and a running back that isn’t Conner for the first time since 2017. Include the imminent departure of the reliable Smithschuster and the absence of Mcdonald — in essence a third tackle in 2020 when he was on the field — and the Steelers will have a very different look in 2021.
Yet rather than nudge Roethlisberger toward retirement and see what the club has in backup Mason Rudolph — who is entering the final year of his rookie deal — the Steelers will run it back hoping their late-season fade was a one-off.
“We know that Ben can still play at a high level and do special things for this team,” Colbert said. “Our goal remains the same, to put together a roster that will compete for another championship. We are happy that Ben will be one of our leaders to help us accomplish that goal.”