Art Rooney: Ben Roethlisberger can’t keep his current contract

The situation of Ben Roethlisberger with los Steelers seems to get complicated. In addition to ending the 2020 campaign with regular numbers, his multi-million dollar contract could force him out of Heinz Field.

In an interview with multiple media, Art Rooney, owner and president of the Steelers, reported that the agreement of two years and $ 68 million that Roethlisberger signed in 2019 it could complicate your stay at the club. That pact ties the quarterback to Pittsburgh until the end of the 2021 season.

“We have left that play open. We’ve been open with Ben letting him know that we won’t be able to get him back under his current contract.“, explained according to Trib Live.

For the next campaign, product of the economic crisis derived from COVID-19, the salary cap is expected to be around 176 million dollars, 22.2 million less than in 2020.

The above puts the Steelers in serious predicaments, who should see how the ‘Big Ben’ deal accounts for 41.25 million in the organization’s payroll. One option that would save Pittsburgh 19 million is to release him or exercise the clause to terminate the deal prematurely.

Another problem faced by the organization is that 25 of his players will be free agents in the next market. The most prominent elements that could leave the organization are Bud Dupree, Alejandro Villanueva, Mike Hilton, JuJu Smith-Schuster y James Conner.

Willing to compromise

On the other hand, Roethlisberger indicated that he would accept the conditions of the Steelers with the motive of staying with the team. “I want to do everything in my power and make it clear to you from the beginning that it is my idea to help the team in whatever way I can this year. I do not care what my salary is, “he said according to The Athletic.