NFL Rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers Target Colin Kaepernick Contract; Ben Roethlisberger Eyes Young QB For Retirement Plans

Mar 20, 2017 05:58 AM EDT

The Pittsburgh Steelers are quietly looking for a new quarterback to potentially take the lead from Ben Roethlisberger who might announce his retirement even before the next NFL season starts. With a shortage of quarterbacks across the league, many fans believe that a Colin Kaepernick contract could be the best option for the Antonio Brown team. Will the controversial San Francisco 49ers star be a good fit alongside Le'Veon Bell and Ladarius Green?

The Colin Kaepernick contract drama has been an ongoing saga since the past NFL season with the Denver Broncos reportedly almost signing the quarterback. However, the entry of Mark Sanchez and drafting of Paxton Lynch at the time halted any ongoing talk of trade with the former San Francisco 49ers star. Since the Trevor Siemian team seems to be moving forward with their current quarterback lineup, will a Colin Kaepernick contract then be possible with the Pittsburgh Steelers instead?

Rumors are rife that a Ben Roethlisberger retirement announcement is coming soon. While the veteran star has yet to confirm this possibility, sources across the league claim that this is an impending event - one to happen sooner than an actual Tony Romo retirement or Tom Brady exit. Hence, the Pittsburgh Steelers are said to be scouting for a new quarterback to take over once the Ben Roethlisberger retirement possibility becomes a reality.

"You always have to be prepared to select a quarterback at some point, and he's aware of that," shared GM Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers' plans over the Ben Roethlisberger rumors. "We've talked about it. He understands that, if we add a guy into the mix. We'll do that at some point."

The exec added, "I'd hate to say he's in the late stage, because I hope he plays forever. But you know, he is getting older. He's getting better. He was hit less this year than any other year in his career. So chances are that he will extend his career, maybe, but we don't know how long he'll will go."

For his part, the veteran quarterback also shared his indecision over the matter. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback admitted that he would need the offseason to weigh his options.

"I'm gonna take this offseason to evaluate, to consider all options, to consider health and family and things like that and just kind of take some time away to evaluate next season -- if there's gonna be a next season. All those things. At that point in my career and my age I feel like that's the prudent and smart thing to do every year," revealed Ben Roethlisberger.

What do you think? Should the Pittsburgh Steelers sign a Colin Kaepernick contract? Will the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback be a good backup for Big Ben?