Steelers GM Kevin Colbert is Refusing to Throw in the Towel on Ben Roethlisberger
By Scott Rogust
The 2004 NFL Draft quarterback class is dwindling. Former New York Giants signal caller Eli Manning has retired, while Philip Rivers is looking for a new home after he and the Los Angeles Chargers mutually parted ways.
As for Ben Roethlisberger, life is going great.
While speaking with the media on Thursday, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert expressed his belief that the veteran quarterback is nowhere near retirement.
Some strong optimism from #Steelers GM Kevin Colbert to local beat writers today. https://t.co/QUMQ3951SS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 13, 2020
The Steelers obviously had faith in the former 11th overall pick when they signed Roethlisberger to a two-year, $68 million contract last offseason.
However, those plans went down the tubes when Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury in September. As a result, head coach Mike Tomlin had no choice but to trot out young signal callers Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges to varying success.
GM Kevin Colbert said he feels better about the Steelers heading into the 2020 season than he did at this time a year ago.
— Post-Gazette Sports (@PGSportsNow) February 13, 2020
But he also said the Steelers have to be “realistic” about how well Ben Roethlisberger will return.
From: @gerrydulac ⬇️https://t.co/fgXZigptrx
Despite the inconsistent play between the two, the Steelers finished the year with an 8-8 record and entered Week 17 in position to earn a playoff spot. They didn't get it because the Titans won that week and finished 9-7.
Even so, the Steelers have to bank on Roethlisberger. The team has no first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and, with limited cap space, have no choice but to rely on the current quarterback depth chart.
Colbert is confident that Roethlisberger can return to form next season, but considering the severity of his injury, we'll have to wait and see.