Steelers, Roethlisberger open contract talks

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could have a new contract before the start of the 2019 league year in March. Owner Art Rooney II confirmed late Wednesday that the Steelers and Roethlisberger are engaged in negotiations.

"We've already started talking to him and his representative about extending that contract," Rooney said during a Steelers Nation Unite conference call. "I think Ben has some good years left. I'd still say he's close to being in the prime of his career." Roethlisberger, 36, is entering the final year of his existing contract. Prior to the past two seasons, he hinted that retirement could be closing in, but during the course of the 2018 season, appeared to shift the narrative toward playing several more years.

ESPN previously reported the Steelers had a goal of finalizing a contract with Roethlisberger before free agency opens March 13. Two of the four quarterbacks in the conference championship games last week -- Tom Brady (41) and Drew Brees (40) -- are among the oldest active players in the league.

Rooney also suggested on the conference call that the team could try to fix its strained relationship with wide receiver Antonio Brown. "There are a lot of factors we have to take into account on it," Rooney said. "We'd have to sit down with Antonio and understand where he is and make sure he understands where we are. There is some work to do before we figure that out."

Thursday morning, Brown tweeted "Open for business," perhaps referencing his willingness to talk contract with other teams. Brown is expected to be on the trade block after a Week 17 charade that included a reported temper flare-up during a walk-through. Rooney said two weeks ago it would be "hard to envision" Brown on the team in 2019. Other items that Rooney addressed included:

-Linebacker Ryan Shazier began jogging recently, a year after being unable to walk under his own power as he recovered from spinal surgery. "Almost every week, he's doing something he wasn't doing the week before," Rooney said. "He's a remarkable young man and an inspiration to everybody around here."

Rooney has said previously the team would like to keep Shazier -- who is set to hit free agency -- around as he continues his recovery. -Rooney expects kicker Chris Boswell to be on the team in training camp, but the Steelers will likely bring in another option to battle Boswell after he struggled last season.

"I would say at a minimum that [general manager] Kevin Colbert and his group will be looking to bring in some competition with Chris Boswell," Rooney said. "I think they'll make something happen there and at least give him some competition for the kicking position." Boswell is due a $2 million roster bonus in March as part of a four-year extension he signed last August. After reaching the Pro Bowl in 2017, Boswell made just 13 of 20 field-goal attempts and missed five extra points in 2018.

--Field Level Media