PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 04: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants at the conclusion of the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-14 win over the New York Giants at Heinz Field on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Super Bowl contender is in limbo until its franchise QB makes a critical decision

This makes the offseason a little more interesting.

The Pittsburgh Steelers ran into the Super Bowl machine that is the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game this past season. Obviously the Steelers lost that game, but what happened after it shocked Steelers fans more. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger raised the question about his retirement and really hasn't answered it in the offseason.

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The 35-year old Roethlisberger still hasn't made his intent clear on whether he is going to play or not, but it sounds like he may be nearing a decision.

"I'm leaning towards it," Roethlisberger said on Friday when asked about playing in 2017, via Dale Lolley of the Washington (PA) Observer-Reporter.

The Steelers have re-signed backup Landry Jones and General Manager Kevin Colbert has made it clear that the team will "absolutely" add another QB regardless of Roethlisberger's decision. In 2016, Big Ben threw for 3,819 yards, 29 touchdowns against 13 interceptions and completed 64.4 percent of his passes.

[h/t Pro Football Talk]