Ben Roethlisberger vows to do what it takes to stay in Pittsburgh
By Matt Shetler
Over the past couple of weeks, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has had to deal with the constant distractions and rumors involving his future in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.
On Wednesday, Roethlisberger hopefully put those rumors to rest as he hinted he will do whatever is necessary to remain with the Steelers.
Nov 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Big Ben is signed through the 2015 season and it is expected that the team will come to him in the offseason and once again ask him to renegotiate his contract or negotiate a new deal in order to give the franchise more salary-cap flexibility.
That’s something Roethlisberger has done in the past and seems to have no problem doing in the future.
"“Obviously I will do whatever I need to do,” Roethlisberger told the Tribune Review’s Alan Robinson. “That’s something that can be discussed when the time comes. It’s not really my thing. I play football. I have people to deal with all that stuff. I will do whatever it takes to stay here and be a part of this team and help this team win.”"
It will be interesting to see how all of this plays out and exactly how much Big Ben gets on his next contract. He still deserves to get paid like a Top 10 quarterback in the NFL and that’s something that could be difficult for the Steelers.
However a lot of flexibility can be gained by giving Roethlisberger a new deal after the season as most of the money can be given up front and a lot can be back loaded as well.
As it stands now, Roethlisberger’s contract counts $13.595 million against the Steelers’ $123 million salary cap, but that number is scheduled to jump to $17.895 million next year. If the Steelers don’t renegotiate his deal in the off season, Roethlisberger’s current deal would count $17.395 million against the 2015 cap.
Throughout the whirlwind last couple of weeks for Roethlisberger, one thing has remained constant and that’s his desire to remain in Pittsburgh.
When Roethlisberger says he will do what it takes to remain in Pittsburgh, I believe him. He has shown that in the past and likely will do the same in the future.