Ben Roethlisberger Keeps Pushing Steelers To Draft His Heir

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been spoiled at the quarterback position for a long time, and Ben Roethlisberger may be their best ever.

While he won’t have the same number of rings as Terry Bradshaw, the reality is he’ll go down in the record books as the better quarterback. He has a couple rings to match and way better numbers. Unfortunately like all good things it must come to an end sometime. For Roethlisberger that time appears close at hand with the recent flirtations with retirement. Though it appears he’s planning to return, it’s easy to imagine that 2017 might be his swan song.

According to Dale Lolley of the Observer-Reporter, the 35-year old seems prepared to give it at least one more go this season.

"“To the surprise of no one who has spent any amount of time at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is “leaning towards” returning to play in 2017.Roethlisberger spoke at the Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend conference at Liberty University Friday and was asked if he’s going to play in 2017.“I’m leaning towards it,” Roethlisberger replied.Roethlisberger, of course, sent the world into a tailspin in January when he said on his radio show he had to think about whether or not he was going to play in 2017.”"

At the same time the lack of firm commitment from Ben should be a warning sign for Pittsburgh. Perhaps it really is time to accelerate their plans for finding his eventual replacement. Lord knows the man is 35 but has a body that might as well be 55 thanks to all the injuries and hits he’s sustained over the years. The Steelers have put off finding a successor because he’s been so remarkably tough and durable for years.

Next: 2017 NFL Season: 5 Players Facing Make-Or-Break Years

Now it seems his love for the game is starting to get taken over by a desire to function when he’s older. Not surprising. It happens to every NFL player, even the great ones. The question at this point is will this lukewarm affirmation of a return compel Pittsburgh to target a quarterback in the 1st round? The class isn’t overly deep in terms of talent. That may be their best chance to get one of any credible value to develop behind Roethlisberger.

They haven’t feared doing so in the past, but after coming so close to a Super Bowl they might be willing to gamble on waiting one more season so they can shore up the other weak areas of the roster. A difficult decision to be sure.