Ben Roethlisberger suggested Wednesday that he would take a hometown discount in upcoming contract negotiations to stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"You know what? Obviously, I will do whatever I need to do," Roethlisberger said, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "That's something that can be discussed when the time comes. It's not really my thing. I play football. I have people to deal with all that stuff. I will do whatever it takes to stay here and be a part of this team and help this team win."
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier this month that Big Ben is expected to explore a trade this offseason. Mr. RapSheet has steadfastly reported that Roethlisberger's frustrations boil down to losing and money.
If Big Ben is sincerely willing to take a pay cut, it could be a "game-changer," as Rapoport put it Wednesday.
The two-time Super Bowl-winning passer is set to make $12 million next season and $11 million the following year, whereas most big-name quarterbacks are making upwards of $20 million annually.
However, Roethlisberger's salary-cap number is scheduled to be more than $17 million over the next two seasons, per the Tribune-Review, which would necessitate an extension in the offseason to lower then number for the cap-strapped Steelers.
"I love being in Pittsburgh. I am extremely happy," reiterated Roethlisberger, for the umpteenth time since the original report.
*We recapped every Week 11 game on the latest "Around The League Podcast." *
