Mike Tomlin says Steelers are getting ready for life after Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger’s flirtation with retirement this offseason reinforced an eventual sad reality for Steelers fans – Big Ben won’t play forever. But while fans might be coming to grips, the franchise has been preparing for Roethlisberger’s eventual retirement for years.
In an interview with NFL Network scheduled to air Wednesday, head coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers are preparing for next season with the idea that Big Ben will be under center but are well aware of what the future holds.
"I think we've been in that mindset for the last several years, that's what this business tells us to be in,” Tomlin said. “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. So yes, we have."
Tomlin added that Roethlisberger’s physicality makes it less obvious that the 35-year-old quarterback, who hasn’t played a full season since 2014, is close to calling it a career.
"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. Not an easy one, obviously, but it is what it is. It's an element of the business. Guys can't play forever and he acknowledges that and we acknowledge that."
