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According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Ben Roethlisberger privately has told former teammates and some within the organization that he expects this to be his final season after 18 years with the Steelers.
It's highly unlikely that Roethlisberger would play for another team other than the Steelers. This is it. Schefter says Roethlisberger and those within the organization are now operating as if he is entering the final six games.
The news doesn't come as much of a surprise, as Roethlisberger turns 40 in March and he's looked like a shell of his former self this season, and even the backend of last year. He doesn't have the mobility and the ability to extend plays anymore like he did throughout his career. It's just not the same Roethlisberger. Father Time is undefeated against everyone.
According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the Steelers are not interested in starting from scratch with a rookie quarterback next season. Glazer, who is close friends with Mike Tomlin, says the Steelers would rather replace Roethlisberger with a veteran quarterback. It should be an interesting offseason, as the Steelers will look to replace their franchise quarterback after nearly two decades.