Report: Steelers Eyeing Draft as Deadline for Roethlisberger Extension

Through the off-season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been working on a deal to extend quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is entering the final year of his deal. However, still months after initial word leaked out, the team and Roethlisberger are still without a deal.

Yet that might come to a close in the next few days. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the team will try to have an extension complete for Roethlisberger before the 2019 NFL Draft begins. This will likely be the last contract extension for the 37-year-old quarterback, as Big Ben’s best days are now in the rear view mirror.

The Steelers have seen a myriad of change through the beginning stages off the off-season. Players and coaches have come and gone through the years, yet one constant has remained since 2004: Big Ben is the leader in the clubhouse. Through three Super Bowl appearances and two titles to his name, the future Hall of Fame quarterback will look to add to his resume before he officially hangs his cleats up.

The details of the deal are still unknown, yet the new deal is thought to be a two or three year deal that would see Roethlisberger last into a new decade. While it’s unlikely the Steelers are about to offer Ben a similar dollar amount to the newly paid Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson ($35 million annually), Pittsburgh probably won’t be shy about shelling out a fair amount of dough for their franchise quarterback.

It appears as if Josh Dobbs and Mason Rudolph will have to wait a few more years before fighting for their spot on the throne.