Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert hosted select members of the media yesterday to address the current situation of the team.
The most important piece of information dealt with the status of contract negotiations with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Colbert confirmed that discussions with Roethlisberger and his agent Ryan Tollner were underway.
As skeptical and pessimistic as I’ve been regarding a new deal for the team’s all-time leading passer, I feel as positive now as ever that something will get done and soon. As I wrote Monday, I’ve been around long enough to know that nothing will surprise me but as of right now, I feel like we might be just days away from a deal.
Colbert went on to say that today would be the first time the club starts to discuss the futures of several key veterans like Ike Taylor, James Harrison, Troy Polamalu and Brett Keisel.
At this time I see none of those four returning.
Also addressed was Jason Worilds who is awaiting free agency. While Colbert was complimentary of Worilds’ play in 2014, I believe they want to see what type of market he’s going to demand. Philadelphia has already shown interest in him and the Tennessee Titans could as well with Dick LeBeau now coaching there.
I believe Worilds will want more than the Steelers are willing to pay and I don’t see him returning despite just two outside linebackers (Jarvis Jones, Howard Jones) being on the roster at this time.
One other less-important issue is a possible extension for Cam Heyward. Colbert said the re-signing him “isn’t on the front burner.” I wouldn’t totally dismiss something getting done. Heyward has been a model Steeler on the field and off. If the Steelers can get some guys signed they need to and the cap rises more than expected, I can see it happening.
Quote courtesy Triblive.com
