(Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert spoke with the media today prior to practice, and he touched on a myriad of topics, but the most noteworthy discussion was about Ben Roethlisberger and his future.
Colbert was asked if he’s mentally preparing for this to be Roethlisberger’s final year, and he responded, “2021 is all we’re worried about with Ben… Beyond that, none of us know.”
At 39 years old, many believe this will be Roethlisberger's last season. However, the future Hall of Famer told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated this weekend that he feels significantly better than last year with it being his second offseason of recovery from major elbow surgery.
“I feel great,” Roethlisberger told Breer. “You go two years ago, only playing a couple games, having elbow surgery, last year’s your first year back from a major surgery. I think if you ask anybody that’s had a major surgery, their first year back, no matter how far removed from it, it’s always a re-figure out, and getting to a comfort level with that part of your body. For me to feel more back to normal, I’m excited for that.
“It’s always interesting, because when asked last year how I felt, I would tell you I felt great. But then, one year removed, I look back on it, and I’m like, 'Man, maybe I wasn’t as good as I feel now.'”
Roethlisberger took a $5 million pay cut this offseason and saved the team over $15 million in cap space. He'll make $14 million this season on his new deal, which includes a $12.925 million signing bonus, a $1.075 million base salary and four voidable years to push a $10.36 million cap hit into 2022.
Colbert called Roethlisberger's decision to take a pay cut a "very unselfish move."