Steelers Chairman Art Rooney II spoke with a select group of media members this afternoon. He covered many topics, but the most news worthy came about his franchise QB.
Ben Roethlisberger made headlines after the 2016 season about his desire to possibly retire from the game. ultimately he returned and led the Steelers to 13-3 record while starting all 16 games.
This offseason has been a completely different tune from Roethlisberger. During his post game press conference he expressed intent to play in 2018 and would not take time to self-evaluate like the previous year.
Steelers president Art Rooney just spoke to a handful of reports. He said Ben Roethlisberger wants to play beyond his contract, which has 2 years to run, and they will try to figure out a possible extension at some point (not exactly in 2018 though)
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Steelers want Bell long-term
The biggest story of the off-season thus far has been whether or not Le'Veon Bell will be signed long term. Bell spoke openly at the Pro Bowl about being "closer" than last off-season to a new deal.
Art Rooney said Steelers would "like to have a long-term contract with Le'Veon" Bell this year.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
On the possibility of the franchise tag.
Art Rooney on Bell contract: Both sides want to get things done" and said as per franchise tag "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Bell gave the day of February 20th as a soft deadline to get a deal done with the Steelers. That of course is the day teams are allowed to slap the franchise tag on a player.