The Pittsburgh Steelers come into the season looking to make the playoffs after missing out last year and now that the team is in training camp, one of the main stories is the contract of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, as the team said they will not give him a new one until after the 2014 season.
According to ESPN.com, Art Rooney II said to Steelers.com last week that the team would not be giving a new contract to Roethlisberger until after the season, despite the fact that they "traditionally" sign their quarterback's to long term deals when they have two years left on their contracts, which is what Big Ben has. Roethlisberger has won two Super Bowl games with the Steelers and has been to a third and he likely will cash in on his next deal, as he making just $12.1 million this season and his cap hit is just under $19 million.
The Steelers have a number of players they need to sign this year and with the salary cap expected to go up, the team wants to ensure that they can get back those young players along with Roethlisberger. The term already signed Maurkice Pouncey to a long term deal and ESPN.com reported that Roethlisberger and Rooney have previously met this offseason to discuss the contract and what will happen in the future. Rooney told Big Ben that the team is planning on making a long term offer to him, but that it will come after the season.
While Roethlisberger is now 32, he is still playing at a high level and he expected to be the quarterback in Pittsburgh for a long time. Last season the Steelers went 8-8 and just missed the playoffs and Roethlisberger had one of his best statistical seasons, passing for 4,261 yards despite losing one of his best receivers in free agency.
