Steelers GM Kevin Colbert: Ben Roethlisberger and Steelers have begun contract negotiations

Clarification from Steelers: Kevin Colbert said team HAS begun preliminary negotiations on a new contract for QB Ben Roethlisberger.

— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) February 10, 2015

The Pittsburgh Steelers and their franchise quarterback are about to enter foreign territory as Ben Roethlisberger is entering the final year of his contract, and according to GM Kevin Colbert talks between the two sides have finally ensued since the Steelers' Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Steelers President Art Rooney II spoke with media after the season ended and echoed Colbert's sentiment in regards to both parties wanting to make a deal sooner than later. As the days slip by, the Steelers and Roethlisberger's camp have finally started talking about a new contract.

Roethlisberger is due 11.5 Million dollars in 2015, and a new deal could help free up valuable cap space as the free agency period beginning March 10th quickly approaches.

Colbert admitted he thinks a new deal will be not only get done, but could be an easy deal since both parties want to get a deal done. Roethlisberger will rightfully be expecting top 5 QB money for what could be his final contract of his NFL career. He is coming off a record breaking statistical season for both himself and the organization and the offensive weapons around him should have him reaching his prime with a solid team around him.

The Steelers pushed Roethlisberger's deal back to help sign others, now is the time for the Steelers to pay the man who is responsible for the offensive success the team has experienced since the mid-2000s.