The Facts: The Steelers have started conversations about extending Roethlisberger’s contract, team president Art Rooney II said Wednesday afternoon. Rooney said negotiations have started with Roethlisberger and his agent, Ryan Tollner. “We’ve already started talking to him and his representative about extending that contract,” Rooney said. “I think Ben has some good years left. I’d still say he’s close to being in the prime of his career.”

Diehards Line: Roethlisberger has one year left on his contract, and Rooney earlier indicated that the Steelers would like to have a new deal in place for their quarterback before the new NFL calendar year begins March 13. Roethlisberger, who turns 37 in March, led the NFL in passing in 2018, but he also topped the league in interceptions. “Now that we’re seeing quarterbacks around the league that are playing into their 40s,” Rooney said, “I’m not sure there’s any reason that Ben can’t play for several more years. We’re looking forward to that. ...” Under Roethlisberger’s current deal, he would count $23.2 million against the salary cap for 2019. He is due a $5 million roster bonus in March which the Steelers can restructure as part of a signing bonus that would reduce their cap number this season.