Jimmy Garoppolo: 5 trade destinations for SF 49ers quarterback
By Peter Panacy
Jimmy Garoppolo Suitor No. 4: Pittsburgh Steelers
While it might not seem quite as obvious a destination for Jimmy Garoppolo, there are reasons to believe the Pittsburgh Steelers could end up being in play for his services in 2021 and beyond.
The biggest, of course, is the uncertain future with their star quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, who admitted he’s mulling the idea of retirement after Pittsburgh’s disappointing and premature playoff exit this season.
We’ve heard these kinds of lines from Big Ben before, so there’s that to consider. But there’s also the realization of two other key factors. The Steelers don’t have a developed quarterback waiting in the folds (unless you’re counting Mason Rudolph, which you shouldn’t), and they’re also a team poised to win right now. Not wait on a rookie QB to come in and develop.
Roethlisberger still has one more year left on his contract, which is set to cost the Steelers up to $41.25 million in 2021. Even though Pittsburgh is well over the projected $176 million salary cap by almost $35 million, according to Over the Cap, some modest roster jockeying and a would-be Roethlisberger retirement could put the Steelers in play for Garoppolo’s services.