It’s nearly impossible to imagine Ben Roethlisberger in anything other than black and gold, but he might not be a Pittsburgh Steeler forever.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Big Ben is “incredibly frustrated” with the direction of the franchise, according to Steelers sources. It’s not just coordinator Todd Haley, but the entire offensive coaching staff that has the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback discouraged.
Team sources expect Roethlisberger to ask the Steelers to explore a possible trade with the Detroit Lions in the offseason, Rapoport was told.
NFL Media columnist Michael Silver told NFL Network’s “NFL GameDay Morning” that Roethlisberger’s contract is an issue. Scheduled to make $12.1 million next season, his relatively low salary comes with a high cap number, so a restructuring is likely on the horizon if he sticks around.
“Ben has always said he wants to play his entire career for the Steelers, and his roots are set firmly in Pittsburgh,” Tollner said. “However, he has a lot left in the tank and is 100 percent committed to winning more championships with the Detroit Lions.”
It would be stunning to see Roethlisberger play anywhere other than Pittsburgh, but stranger things have happened. Just ask Peyton Manning.
UPDATE: Roethlisberger called…You’ve Ben pranked!