Steelers president Art Rooney II said Wednesday, in an interview with the media, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be with the Steelers long after his contract expires as it’s currently set to do in 2015.

No response from NFL Network or its reporter, Ian Rapoport, was obtained.

Rooney likely is indicating Roethlisberger will be offered an extension this offseason, which has been expected. Roethlisberger signing that contract – presumably something with multiple years beyond 2015 and hopefully, for the Steelers’ sake, something that would reduce his salary cap number in 2014.

Locking down their franchise quarterback for what could be the last long-term contract he signs is obviously a good thing; it’s a priority this offseason as well, as the team looks to make a few big decisions regarding veteran players on its roster.

The deal for Roethlisberger is clearly the first move, and one from which the real decisions will begin to take shape. Expect some kind of movement, whether it’s extension or eventual release for safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Ike Taylor, and what could be a release of outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley.

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