The news broke late last week that the Steelers are bringing back Big Ben for at least one more season, and as far as we know his salary will be 41 million for the 2021 season. Now things can change and Ben could take a pay-cut but if you were Ben would you? Roethlisberger has been the face of the franchise since he was taken 11th overall in the 2004 NFL draft. He will be 39 going on 80 next year and I don't think he can be a starter for 17 games next season behind a line that isn't getting any younger and just lost their all-pro center to retirement.
Juju is another story, although he isn't a top 10 receiver in the league he puts up good numbers and he takes a safety with him so the other weapons can get open. He is set to become a free agent on march 14th and has had no discussions with Pittsburgh at this time to resign him. If Juju doesn't resign in Pittsburgh and they get their salary cap under control you can expect them to go after a big name Wide Out in free agency or maybe draft one with the 24th overall pick. I am not so worried about the Steelers' receiving core because they always have somebody on the backburner but this year just feels different.
JJ Watt is another name that has been linked to Pittsburgh but they have better options in house already. Bud Dupree is set to become a free agent but the franchise tag is still a viable option if no long term deal is accomplished. They could sign Dupree for a few million more per year than Watt and have far more success from the contract.
Get it together Pittsburgh, you're 21 million dollars over the cap and are paying an aging Quarterback 41 million.
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