Steelers owner Art Rooney II said that extension discussions are ongoing with QB Ben Roethlisberger and he feels Roethlisberger still has “good years” ahead of him.
“We’ve already started talking to him and his representative about extending that contract,” Rooney said, via Joe Rutter. “I think Ben has some good years left. I’d still say he’s close to being in the prime of his career.”
Rooney added that he could see Roethlisberger playing into his 40s.
“Now that we’re seeing quarterbacks around the league that are playing into their 40s,” Rooney said, “I’m not sure there’s any reason that Ben can’t play for several more years. We’re looking forward to that.”
Mike Florio of PFT previously mentioned that it will likely cost Pittsburgh at least $28 million per year to get Roethlisberger to sign a new deal.
Roethlisberger, 36, is in the second year of his five-year, $99 million contract that includes $64 million guaranteed. He stands to make base salaries of $12 million over the final two years of the agreement.
In 2018, Roethlisberger appeared in 16 games for the Steelers and completed 67 percent of his passes for 5,129 yards, 34 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
We’ll have more regarding the Steelers and Roethlisberger as the news is available.
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Big Ben is currently in a 5 year $99M contract ($19.8M aavg.) and earns $12M over the final two years. How does Mike Florio come to the conclusion? That it will take the Steelers AT LEAST $28M per year to get a new deal done?! A new 4 year $100M ($25M aavg.) with $70M in guarantees and a 5th year option will get it done.
Remember! If the so called feud with Antonio Brown isn’t resolved and Brown is traded as rumored. The Steelers offense takes a massive hit IF that scenario happens. Brown is a huge asset and safety net for Big Ben and the Steelers know this is a FACT. Although talented Washington and Rogers are nowhere near the caliber of player Brown is as a receiver. This all means Big Ben won’t be putting up “video game” numbers like this season. And the run game, tight ends and offensive line will become more of a priority.
The Steelers will make this contract simple, so that both parties are happy in Big Ben’s case.
P.S. Don’t forget The Steelers losing Bell and possibly trading Brown is a lot of offensive production for a QB to lose.