Pittsburgh Steelers Plan for Future Without Ben Roethlisberger

By Noriel See, Christian Post Contributor Tuesday, March 28, 2017

While Ben Roethlisberger has flirted with retirement this offseason, most people believe that he will probably play in the 2017 season. The 35-year-old quarterback can still play at a high level for a few more years. However, he can't go on forever and the Pittsburgh Steelers know this. That's why they will have to plan ahead and prepare for his eventual retirement.

In an interview with NFL.com, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin talked about how Roethlisberger was still part of their plans for next season even though he still hasn't announced that he's playing. He's leaning toward returning, though. But even if their long-time quarterback comes back, Tomlin knows that they would have to look for a quarterback that could take his place when he decides to walk away from the sport.

"I think we've been in that mindset for the last several years, that's what this business tells us to be in. We better start sharpening our sword in terms of evaluation of quarterbacks and what's available to us or potentially available to us, that's just due diligence," Tomlin said during the interview.

"I think because of (Roethlisberger's) durability and how he plays, I don't know that we have that level of urgency, but we are taking ourselves mentally through the process," he continued. "Guys can't play forever and he acknowledges that and we acknowledge that," he added.

Meanwhile, the Steelers probably don't like the idea of handing over the reins to Landry Jones, their fourth-round pick in the 2013 draft. Jones has failed to impress during his tenure with the Steelers, so they have been checking out the quarterbacks available in the draft.

The team has already met former University of California, Berkeley quarterback Davis Webb, and they are scheduled to meet former University of Pittsburgh quarterback Nathan Peterman as well.

The Steelers want to be ready when the day comes for Roethlisberger to call it a career. And they may find their quarterback of the future in this year's draft.