Ben Roethlisberger isn't going to retire prior to the 2017 season, even if he hinted as such earlier in the offseason. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers have operated with "Big Ben" at the helm for so long that his inevitable exit will leave many question marks for the organization.
With that in mind, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the future in an interview with NFL Network and Nunzio Ingrassia of FOX Sports brings details:
"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. So yes, we have."
"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."
Roethlisberger turned 35 in March and he has missed six games combined across the last two seasons. While it might not seem like much, the former Miami (Ohio) star is seemingly always dealing with some sort of ailment and, at some point, he simply won't be able to play at a high level anymore.
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It would be interesting to note what kind of specific "due diligence" the Steelers are doing, especially because their backup situation has been an adventure in recent years. Life without Roethlisberger will be odd in Pittsburgh but Steelers fans will undoubtedly hope that it isn't that close to happening.
