Steelers want Roethlisberger back, plan to 'work out' QB's contract

Despite general manager Kevin Colbert recently hinting at a possible split with Ben Roethlisberger, it appears the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to retain the quarterback after all.

Roethlisberger's agent Ryan Tollner told NFL Networks' Aditi Kinkhabwala Tuesday that the two sides will be meeting to finalize the veteran's 2021 salary.

"(The Steelers) want Ben back and will contact me soon to address his cap situation," Tollner told Kinkhabwala. "As we've shared since the season ended, we are happy to creatively adjust his contract to help them build the best team possible.

"A year ago, Ben wasn't sure if he could throw again, but he battled back to get 12 wins and the eighth division title of his career. They lost steam down the stretch, and that doesn't sit well for him, so the fire burns strong, and there is plenty of gas in the tank."

Steelers president Art Rooney II issued a statement Wednesday confirming the team wants Roethlisberger to return.

"Ben Roethlisberger and I met yesterday morning, and we had a productive meeting," read the statement. "We were able to discuss a lot of things that relate to where we are and where we want to go. Ben assured me that he is committed to coming back to help us win, and I told Ben that we would like to have him back to help us win a championship.

"We both understand that the next step is to work out Ben's contract situation."

Big Ben's payout would cost Pittsburgh $41.25 million against the cap without a restructure, representing the highest charge of any player in the NFL. He's also due a $15-million roster bonus on March 19, the third day of the new league year.

The 38-year-old saw his play diminish as the 2020 season progressed, though he tossed 33 touchdowns against 10 interceptions across 15 starts.

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