While the San Francisco 49ers didn’t reach the Super Bowl in 2022, they had one of the more interesting and memorable seasons in the franchise’s storied history. Brock Purdy, a rookie quarterback who was the final player selected in the previous year’s draft, replaced Jimmy Garoppolo (who himself replaced Trey Lance) and led the team to the NFC Championship Game. But how close were the 49ers to being guided by another, far more experienced quarterback?
It was a strong possibility.
Ben Roethlisberger shared on Tuesday that he was contacted by the 49ers.
In an interview with Mark Madden on 105.9 The X, Roethlisberger shared that after Garoppolo’s injury, the 49ers did contact him. He also acknowledged that he had some interest in a return. Ultimately, his loyalty to the Steelers kept him from coming back.
“They were, I think, reaching out maybe just to gauge my interest,” Roethlisberger said, H/T Steelers Depot. “I had discussions. … I’d be lying if I didn’t say there was a small part of me that was intrigued. I could still do it and prove to people that I could still play. At the end of the day, I just can’t see myself in anything other than black and gold.”
To a degree, it makes sense.
Including the game where he got hurt, the 49ers were 8-4 at the time of Garoppolo’s injury. They were cruising to a playoff spot but had a serious question mark at quarterback. Roethlisberger, a recently retired two-time Super Bowl champion likely headed for the Hall of Fame, would be a natural call.
The problem is that in 2021, Roethlisberger’s final season, he looked like a 39-year-old quarterback. Roethlisberger had one of the worst seasons of his career, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,740 yards with 22 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and an 86.8 passer rating.
San Francisco’s season ended in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In that game, Purdy and his backup, Josh Johnson, were both hurt. Despite that disappointment, given how well Purdy did, it’s probably best for all parties involved that Roethlisberger stayed retired.
[105.9 The X, Steelersnow.com]
