The Pittsburgh Steelers are enduring the first season of the post-Ben Roethlisberger era in 2022. Unlike 2019, he is not expected to return for the black and gold and the future Hall of Fame quarterback has not been shy at hinting that may not have been a mutual decision. During his weekly Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast, he has at times dropped direct comments that he thought he could still be playing.
Photo Credit: Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger Podcast YouTube Channel 7
The San Francisco 49ers lost Jimmy Garoppolo until at least the divisional round of the playoffs this season and were forced to use Brock Purdy, the 2022 NFL draft's Mr. Irrelevant at quarterback. Purdy got off to a fine start finishing up in a victory last week and absolutely torching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady on national television.
Spencer T’eo brought up the 49ers in a new around-the-league segment on the podcast and the quarterback situation with Roethlisberger. The wheels turning in the former signal caller’s head were completely visible as he answered his partner's transparent overtures.
“Let’s go north in California to my old stomping grounds,” T’eo said. “Because they don’t have a quarterback either. Jimmy G gets hurt, this is a very good team. As a fan of the 49ers, I’d like to see it. Is that arm a little loose?"
“I thought about it,” Roethlisberger replied smiling and performing arm circles as if he was warming up. “That team is one of the better teams in football and that defense is really stinking good and they did it with Purdy.”
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 28: David DeCastro #66 and Ben Roethlisberger #7 stand next to head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers after they failed to convert a two-point attempt during the closing moments of their 22-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2013, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Roethlisberger is grinning from ear to ear, and it doesn’t appear he is seriously volunteering his services to the 49ers, but his co-host is certainly excited by the prospect. San Francisco has a good offensive line, a good running game and a superior defense. In short, it would be an ideal situation for a veteran who could potentially make the necessary throws 25-30 times a game to help them convert third downs and engineer a drive if the game is close at the end. The smart money wouldn’t bet against Roethlisberger in that situation.
Roethlisberger could have signed elsewhere in the offseason, but he chose to retire at the end of last season because he did not want to play for anyone besides the Steelers. It would be hard to fathom an Ohio kid that played his whole career in Pittsburgh would head to San Francisco and come out of retirement. But if Purdy struggles, it is clear at least one of their fans wants him to consider it.
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger gets ready for the Ravens in Pittsburgh, PA. |Photo Credit: Chris McGrath/Getty Images
What do you think Steeler Nation? Would you begrudge Roethlisberger returning for a Super Bowl run in the NFC or do you want to see him stay as a podcaster? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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