Report: Roethlisberger expects 2021 to be finale with Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has told former teammates and some inside the organization that he believes he's playing his final season with the club, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

It's "highly unlikely" Roethlisberger would continue his career with another team, one source told Schefter, leaving retirement as his only alternative.

Roethlisberger has spent his entire 18-year career in Pittsburgh and owns the franchise records for touchdown passes, passing yards, and wins among quarterbacks. He's won two Super Bowl championships and earned six Pro Bowl selections in what will likely be a Hall of Fame career.

The 39-year-old will be a free agent at the end of the campaign. He returned to the team on a reduced salary in 2021 after he wilted down the stretch last year.

Once known as a vertical passer, Roethlisberger has evolved his game in recent seasons to make up for a decline in arm strength. In 10 contests this campaign, he's thrown for 2,522 yards with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The 5-5-1 Steelers sit outside the AFC playoff picture entering Week 13.