Steelers QB Roethlisberger Meets With Rooney: Report

PITTSBURGH, PA — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had his long-awaited meeting with team owner Art Rooney II on Tuesday, but it's unclear if a decision was reached on the aging veteran's future with the team.

However, sources told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac that the meeting went well.

Rooney said last month that he wants Ben Roethlisberger back as the team's quarterback next season, but his exorbitant contract and its impact on the Steelers salary cap could make a return difficult. He indicated that Roethlisberger's $41.2 million salary cap hit was too great for the team to absorb since the cap is being reduced because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The situation needs to be resolved in the next several weeks, as Roethlisberger is scheduled to earn a $15 million roster bonus on March 19.

It is unclear if Steelers general manger Kevin Colbert attended Tuesday's meeting or if head coach Mike Tomlin attended virtually. Tomlin is currently isolated after being diagnosed with the coronavirus.