NFL News: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers Discussing Contract Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger are working on a contract extension that will almost assure that the veteran quarterback will be retiring with the franchise. Jason La Canfora, NFL Insider for CBSSports.com, confirmed the talks on social media Twitter and claims that the Roethlisberger’s contract extension is one of the priority in the offseason of the Pittsburgh franchise.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert shared to La Canfora that they are hoping to settle the issue early in the offseason.

"We'll continue to work on it and hopefully get something done sooner rather than later," Colbert said in the interview about their veteran quarterback and also stated that they can work a deal with outside linebacker Jason Worilds. "He understands that if he doesn't get tagged, which we could still do, he's free to test the market. He's been a good player for us and we'd love to have him back."

The 32 year old Roethlisberger signed a multi-year deal with Pittsburgh in 2008 and that contract is about to expire in 2015. He is coming off a career-high 103.3 QB rating last season when he had 4,952 passing yards on 408 of 608 completions or 67.1% passing completions for 32 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Roethlisberger has been with the Steelers the past 11 seasons since being drafted the 11th overall pick by the team in the 2004 NFL Draft.

The Steelers won the AFC North division winning 11 of 16 games in the regular season and qualifying for the playoffs. They lost to the Baltimore Ravens, 30-17 in the opening round of the postseason when Roethlisberger passed for 334 yards and had a touchdown and two interceptions.

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