Report: Art Rooney II to make statement on Ben Roethlisberger's future with Steelers on Wednesday

Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II had a meeting with Ben Roethlisberger on Tuesday to discuss the quarterback's future with the franchise. Roethlisberger's agent said the Steelers want him back in 2021, and we could learn more about his fate on Wednesday. 

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rooney is expected to make a statement on Wednesday regarding Roethlisberger's future with the team. 

The 38-year-old has a $41.25 million cap hit for the 2021 campaign and it has to be reduced for the Steelers to get under the cap by the start of the new league year next month.

The best way for Pittsburgh to get under the cap would be to sign Roethlisberger to a new three-year deal and take his salary ($4 million) and roster bonus ($15 million) and convert it into a signing bonus that would be prorated over three years, Dulac says. 

Another way for the Steelers to get under the cap would be for Roethlisberger to take a pay cut. The veteran said at the end of the 2020 season that he'd be willing to do so. However, it remains to be seen if that's still the case.

Rooney's statement should provide much more clarity on Roethlisberger's situation.