Report: Steelers, Roethlisberger expected to talk contract after Super Bowl

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger are expected to meet after the Super Bowl to discuss the quarterback's future and contract, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The two sides are expected to work on a contract restructure or extension that would lower his $41-million cap hit in 2021.

Steelers president Art Rooney II recently confirmed Roethlisberger intends to play next season but said the 38-year-old won't be welcomed back unless he renegotiates his deal. The $41-million cap charge projects to be the largest of any player in the NFL in 2021, and the Steelers could save $19 million by releasing him.

For his part, Roethlisberger has indicated a willingness to redo his contract, saying he doesn't care "at all" about his pay next season.

Pittsburgh is one of several teams facing a salary crunch in light of a falling cap. The Steelers also have two marquee players - wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and edge rusher Bud Dupree - in line to hit the open market in March.

Roethlisberger has spent his entire 17-year career in Pittsburgh, leading the franchise to three Super Bowl appearances and two titles. He threw 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2020, fading down the stretch after a strong start to the campaign.

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