Let’s take a look at what could’ve been for Ben Roethlisberger had he not stayed in Pittsburgh.

We also have a prediction on James Conner’s future, an ominous outlook for Pirates manager Derek Shelton, and another rough outing for former Penguins netminder Matt Murray.

All that in Thursday’s “First Call.”

Big Ben almost a Bear?

When Ben Roethlisberger’s future wasn’t entirely clear a few weeks ago, I posted a column breaking down a list of teams that may adopt Big Ben if he left Pittsburgh.

We determined that Chicago was the most likely fit. It turns out that may have been the case.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Bears may have had an interest in signing Roethlisberger if the Steelers decided against bringing him back in 2021.

“Chicago needs a major upgrade (at quarterback), and the options are limited. League sources said the Bears were in fact pretty serious about Carson Wentz, and had internal discussions about Big Ben as well, and were primed to be perhaps the only landing spot for him had he not agreed to take a significant pay cut to stay in Pittsburgh.”

That’s essentially the same premise we advanced here at “Breakfast With Benz.”

It would have meant Roethlisberger returning to Heinz Field as the Bears quarterback at some point in 2021 since the Steelers are slated to host Chicago this upcoming year.

Calling on Conner?

Where might James Conner wind up if he doesn’t stay in Pittsburgh?

According to NFL insider John Clayton, it may be Miami. He told 93.7 The Fan on Monday that the Dolphins have an interest.

But even if that fit happens, Clayton says don’t expect Conner to break the bank in South Florida.

“No, it’s going to be hard even for the starters to get starter’s money in free agency,” Clayton said. “They didn’t put a franchise tag at $8.5 million in Green Bay on Aaron Jones so that kind of tells me that he is going to get some kind of a deal at $10 million-plus… But no other back is going to get more than $8 [million]. Melvin Gordon was the highest paid running back free agent last year, and he got two years at $16 [million]. So, all of these guys are going to come in under $8 [million]. In the case of James Conner, I think he’ll come in at $3 million or $4 million.”

Clayton also says that JuJu Smith-Schuster is getting a look from the Dolphins. He said don’t rule out the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders or Cincinnati Bengals as sending out feelers, too.

Smith-Schuster added to that speculation by playing Fortnite in a Dolphins uniform. His broadcast title was also “March 17 FREE MAN.”

JuJu Smith-Schuster is streaming a Fortnite game on Twitch right now. Broadcast title is: “March 17 FREE MAN” pic.twitter.com/KIUcrsYf0b

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) March 11, 2021

Clayton added that the Steelers may be in the running to retain offensive lineman Matt Feiler and bring back B.J. Finney.

Give Shelty a break, huh?

Odds are out from BetOnline.ag for which Major League baseball manager will be the first to get fired.

Brandon Hyde of the Baltimore Orioles is the favorite at 7/1. He’s followed by Bud Black of the Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers bench boss Chris Woodward and Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais. They are all at 8/1.

Up next, the Pirates’ Derek Shelton at 9/1. C’mon! Are we serious here?

What do all these guys have in common? Their teams have done nothing to build a competitive roster for 2021 and, in some cases, have done everything to strip away what talent existed. If any of these men are set to be fired, that’s shameful on behalf of the organization as they have given the managers nothing in terms of prospects for success.

But, if it makes Pirates fans feel better, former Chicago Cubs manager — and Pirates’ public enemy No. 1 — Joe Maddon has the same odds as Shelton. He’s currently managing the Los Angeles Angels.

That, I wouldn’t mind.

More Murray misery

Things continue to be tough for ex-Penguins goalie Matt Murray in Ottawa.

Now with the Senators, his record dropped to 7-12-1 Wednesday night after a 7-1 defeat at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.

Murray allowed four goals on the first 13 shots of the game. It was the second time this year that the Oilers scored four first-period goals against the Senators.

The @EdmontonOilers scored at least four first-period goals for the second time this season (also Jan. 31 vs. OTT). They are the only team to achieve the feat multiple times in 2020-21. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/4iO3l2hCYI

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 11, 2021

Murray’s goals against average climbed to 3.84. His save percentage dipped to .881. Former Penguin James Neal got in on the act, scoring Edmonton’s sixth goal of the game.

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