Ben Roethlisberger Contract Dispute Will Determine Steelers Future

After contemplating retirement, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger appears committed to playing in 2021. However, Big Ben's contract provides a hurdle for his team to navigate, and it's the make-or-break obstacle that stands between a reunion next season.

The two sides know where the other stands, as owner Art Rooney II put his cards on the table regarding the QB's contract.

Art Rooney II said that Ben Roethlisberger wants to come back and has told the team that. Rooney said that they can’t do it at his current salary and Ben knows that. If they can agree to a contract alteration it sounds like Roethlisberger will be back.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 28, 2021

It's good for the Steelers and Roethlisberger to have these conversations now and work towards a possible solution.

It's clear that the team doesn't want to be on the hook for Big Ben's enormous cap hit in 2021 and hopes to restructure the deal in order to free up money. The Steelers have several free agents this offseason like James Conner and Juju Smith-Schuster, but it'll squeeze the team's finances to pursue extensions or upgrades in free agency with Roethlisberger's current contract,

However, the franchise QB is very willing to work with the team, making it publicly known that he doesn't care about his compensation in 2021.

Ben Roethlisberger just told me: "I don't care bout my pay at all this year!" And is willing to restructure a contract that has a $41 million cap hit for 2021 that includes $19 million in bonus and salary that can be restructured.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 28, 2021

After drama over the Steelers' future at QB, it appears the situation will resolve itself without an ugly breakup.

If Pittsburgh and Big Ben can settle on a contract workaround, it'll put the team in better position to get better this offseason and solidify their contender hopes in 2021.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook today and get your first bet risk free for up to $1,000!