Ben Roethlisberger: “I have every intention of playing next year.”

It wasn’t that long ago, two years ago to be exact, when Ben Roethlisberger said on his weekly radio show on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh how he wasn’t sure what his future would hold in the NFL, and he was mulling retirement.

Obviously, Roethlisberger returned, and has played well throughout the past few seasons, but now the vast Pittsburgh Steelers fan base is wondering if/when Roethlisberger will decide to call it a career and walk away.

The team clearly isn’t sure either, as they have selected a quarterback in the mid-rounds of the NFL Draft the past two years. Joshua Dobbs in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and Mason Rudolph in the 3rd round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The team is trying to prepare for the future, all while not knowing when Roethlisberger will be done for good.

Either way, on his weekly radio spot Roethlisberger told The Fan he has “every intention” of suiting up again in 2019.

“I have every intention of playing next year ,” Roethlisberger said, “but I don’t want to think of next season until this one is over.”

This is good news for the Steelers, considering many feel their Super Bowl window will remain open as long as No. 7 is still under center, but Roethlisberger’s contract is something which will need to be addressed. In 2019, Roethlisberger will account for $23,200,000 towards the team’s cap. If the Steelers, and Roethlisberger, are able to agree to an extension, they could move that number down significantly and open up even more salary cap space for the upcoming season.

Big Ben says he is returning in 2019, and the Steelers would be wise to welcome him back with a new extension to help all parties involved.