Mark Madden Hot Take: Why would Ben Roethlisberger want to return to the Steelers?

Ben Roethlisberger has made $253.2 million in football earnings. So, take the $19 million he’s due if he plays in 2021 out of the equation. Roethlisberger doesn’t need the money.

Maurkice Pouncey retired. He and Roethlisberger are tight.

Vance McDonald retired. He and Roethlisberger are tight.

Alejandro Villanueva will leave via free agency. He and Roethlisberger are tight.

Ryan Switzer got cut by the Steelers before this past season. He and Roethlisberger are tight.

JuJu Smith-Schuster will sign elsewhere. That subtracts a preferred weapon.

Randy Fichtner got fired. He and Roethlisberger are tight. So, Roethlisberger has to break in a new offensive coordinator during his last NFL season (or make Matt Canada his bobo).

The Steelers collapsed for a third straight year. They lose considerable components this offseason. Roethlisberger must know this team isn’t a Super Bowl contender, or even very good.

Roethlisberger threw four interceptions in the playoff loss to Cleveland. His passer rating topped 90 only once in his last seven games. He threw 10 picks in those games. Roethlisberger has to see that his performance is fading.

Roethlisberger will be 39 on March 2. Age has limited his mobility. He had surgery on his throwing elbow last offseason. He nursed a creaky knee much of this past campaign.

Roethlisberger and owner Art Rooney II said there would be no problem adjusting Roethlisberger’s contract to allow cap relief. That was two weeks ago. The deal still isn’t done.

Are the Steelers trying to force Roethlisberger out, making him the bad guy in the process?

A meeting is reportedly imminent. What was said to be easy has apparently turned complicated.

Playing in 2021 doesn’t hold many positives for Roethlisberger unless he’s willing lie to himself about a lot.

If you were Roethlisberger, would you play?

I’ll hang up and listen.