Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger “Leaning Towards” Returning For 2017 Season

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger recently mentioned that he’s “leaning towards” returning for the 2017 season.

“I’m leaning towards it,” Roethlisberger said, via Dale Lolley of the Observer-Reporter.

It’s been a while since there was an update regarding Roethlisberger returning or possibly retiring from the NFL.

Back in January, Roethlisberger implied that he plans to contemplate retirement this offseason during an appearance on the “The Cook and Poni Show.”

“I’m going to take this offseason to evaluate, to consider all options,” Roethlisberger said, via CBS Pittsburgh. “To consider health, and family and things like that and just kind of take some time away to evaluate next season, if there’s going to be a next season.”

Roethlisberger was asked if he’s going to play next year to which he replied: “I’m going to take some time and evaluate with my family and just do a lot of praying about it and make sure it’s the right thing for me and my family.”

The Steelers were coming off of a tough loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game and he’s dealt with a number of injuries the past few years, so it’s hard to blame him for wanting to at least take some time to sort things out.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin later told reporters Roethlisberger has previously mentioned that he might not return for following season, so this is not the first time retirement has come up from him.

Jason Fitzgerald pointed out that unless there is language to prevent forfeiture in his contract, Roethlisberger would owe the Steelers $18.6 million if he walked away,

Roethlisberger, 35, is in the second year of his five-year, $99 million contract that includes $64 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $17.75 million for the 2016 season.

In 2016, Roethlisberger had completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 3819 yards to go along with 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 13 quarterback out of 34 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Roethlisberger’s future as the news is available.