What will happen between the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the next three weeks? While no one really knows for sure now, there is certainly no lack of speculation about what could happen and especially after what Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert did and did not say about Roethlisberger’s potential future status with the team when he spoke. with the media last week for almost 30 minutes. In fact, a member of the national media seems to interpret the current situation between the Steelers and Roethlisberger as a big chicken game now. That person is Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network.
“This is essentially turning into a big chicken game here in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are almost challenging Ben Roethlisberger to respond,” said Kinkhabwala on Monday during an NFL Network segment about Roethlisberger. “And Ben Roethlisberger has already said what he means, that he wants to go back and play for Steelers. That he is willing to work with the Steelers to improve the $ 41 million limit reached. That he will actually pay for the $ 19 million he owes. He will not seek any kind of increase. And now it’s the Steelers’ turn. “
Personally, I think this is all bullshit. A chicken game? Seriously? That’s my opinion. It looks so dramatized now, but that’s just me. Feel free to call me crazy.
Kinkhabwala did not stop there, however.
“The Steelers are not in agreement on what to do,” continued Kinkhabwala. “From what I was told, there is a very, very strong feeling in that building that it is time to just move on and that, although the Steelers still have Ben Roethlisberger, there is a certain limbo. Because although there is a new offensive coordinator and a new coach of defenders, Ben Roethlisberger likes to play in a particular way and this does not necessarily match all the changes and movements that the new offensive coordinator Matt Canada would like to incorporate. “
Feeling strong in the building? The only people in the Steelers building that matter are Team President Art Rooney II, General Manager Kevin Colbert and Coach Mike Tomlin. No, quarterback Mason Rudolph does not count as a person in the building.
So why is it that perhaps the two sides have not yet agreed on what Roethlisberger’s future is? Perhaps it is because no really heavy conversation has yet taken place between the two sides. In fact, Kinkhabwala even admitted this on Twitter on Monday afternoon. Is this a big deal? Personally, I don’t think so. After all, there is still more than three weeks to make a decision. The NFL has yet to set a limit number for 2021 as well.
How will things end up happening? I have my guess, just like most of you have yours. Despite everything that has been said or not said in this off-season, my best prediction remains that Roethlisberger will play for Steelers in 2021 and still receive the $ 19 million that he must still do just that, though through an extension that includes annulable years . Could my intuition be wrong? Of course, it could.
I have no skin in the Roethlisberger game. If he does not return in 2021, I will still cover the team in the same way as I do since 2008. If he returns for the 2021 season, I will do the same. to conclude, I feel that all this “conversation” and “reporting” is now highly manufactured to better sell a story. I can’t believe now that the negotiations between the Steelers and Roethlisberger have reached the same level as a chicken game to see who retreats first. And I apologize in advance to anyone who might offend you with that opinion.