In the NFL, when you've got a franchise quarterback - especially one you know you can win Super Bowls with - you grab that player with both cash-filled hands and never let them go.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers and owner Art Rooney II, the main objective of this offseason will be ensuring that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's NFL future continues with the big signal-caller as a member of the Black and Yellow (You know what it is).
The Steelers have, in the past, looked to re-sign quarterbacks with two years left on their deal - Roethlisberger enters this offseason with one year remaining on his contract at a cap number of $18.395 million, according to NBC Sports.
If they are unable to reach an extension this offseason, the 2016 franchise tag - a potential avenue to keeping Big Ben in the fold sans a new contract - would be the astronomical sum of $22.074 million.
Roethlisberger went out this year and had himself a heck of a season - he managed 408 completions, a 67.1 completion percentage, 4,952 yards, 32 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions while leading the team to a playoff berth.
His already hefty cap figure combined with his strong play means it won't be cheap to keep him, but it's something the team and Rooney know they have to get done, and soon.
"I will take that problem," Rooney said. "I'm happy to have a player who had a great year. I would rather have that situation than the reverse. I'm not complaining about it. It is what it is. We will just have to deal with the circumstances as they present themselves in this offseason."
Roethlisberger will have ample leverage in the negotiations but, in speaking to 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, according to CBS Pittsburgh, sounded like a guy who has no desire to leave the Steel City.
"This is as healthy exiting a season as I've felt. I felt as healthy throughout the season just because of the offseason work I put in last offseason and I plan on doing that again this year. I feel great. I felt great all year, and we'll continue to do that. Ultimately, it's up to the representation and the Rooney family to do something hopefully this offseason and hopefully sooner than later because I love being here with this family."
Ultimately, it sounds like both sides are intent on getting a deal done and as Rooney said, "the sooner the better."
