As he does annually, Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers team president addressed some media members to discuss the 2017 season and give his insight into the 2018 season. Rooney gives his General Manager and head coach full power when it comes to the decisions made on the football operations side. However, when Art Rooney II speaks, Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert are absolutely listening. Rooney usually does provide strong insight into what the direction of the team will be following the year.
What did Rooney have to say?
On Ben Roethlisberger:
Steelers president Art Rooney just spoke to a handful of reports. He said Ben Roethlisberger wants to play beyond his contract, which has 2 years to run, and they will try to figure out a possible extension at some point (not exactly in 2018 though)
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
This is not surprising but does give us a hint into how the Steelers will handle the position. If Ben Roethlisberger wants to play, he is playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Rooney is not going to be quick to pull the trigger on an extension. He knows like Roethlisberger does that this should eventually be played out on a year-to-year basis. Roethlisberger is signed on for two more years and the two will move on from there. A lot will change by then. Landry Jones is a free agent next year, so the idea is that the team will not draft a quarterback in 2018, let Jones walk, move Josh Dobbs up and let the 2019 draftee fill in the third spot.
On Mike Tomlin:
Rooney said not only is he happy with Mike Tomlin as coach, but that he's one of the best in the NFL.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Despite what others, like Le'Veon Bell said, Art Rooney said he thought the Steelers were focused in 2017. "I would say you don't win 13 games if you're not a focused group."
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Rooney refused to blame the Steelers playoff loss to Jacksonville on looking ahead to Patriots: "Two turnovers had more to do with the loss to Jacksonville than any comments"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Art Rooney on what he told limited partners in Steelers who reportedly were to ask him to fire Mike Tomlin: "I didn't get that letter yet. I don't know if it's coming by Pony Express"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Mike Tomlin is not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. Rooney sees the big picture. He would rather consistently be good than spike between terrible and great. The person who should know the team better than anyone else admitted it was not looking ahead, and that the Jacksonville Jaguars won because they are, get this, a good football team. Rooney also laughed off the idea of minority owners calling to fire Mike Tomlin, which circulated the day after the playoff loss. Tomlin has never had a losing regular season. When that happens, it will still be a few more years until the team moves on from him.
On Le’Veon Bell
Art Rooney on Bell contract: Both sides want to get things done" and said as per franchise tag "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Art Rooney said Steelers would "like to have a long-term contract with Le'Veon" Bell this year.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Yes, he said something similar last season. However, he did not put the timetable of contract in the tense of “this year” last season. Le’Veon Bell said the two are closer than last year, and with Rooney adding in that both sides are committed, there is a chance. Do not count out the idea of a three-year extension for Bell.
On James Harrison
Art Rooney said waiving James Harrison was a disappointment but indicated he was involved. "We had discussions about James over the course of the season." Said he wished James could have ended his career with Steelers
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
More on Harrison from Rooney: "There's probably blame on both sides of the fence." As for signing with Patriots, "When you make decision to let players go, you know someone can pick him up."
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
No surprise that Art Rooney II had to have the final sign off when it came to James Harrison. Rooney put it perfectly that blame should go on both sides. However, while many have questioned the timing of the decision, sources say that it is no surprise it came after the Ryan Shazier injury.
On Ryan Shazier
Art Rooney on Ryan Shazier's future: "I expect Ryan is going to be here one way or the other and have a roll on the team one way or other in 2018"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
The team mentioned that Shazier was involved in the game plan, and was still very active in a group text with the premier defensive players who discuss schemes and game planning. That part of the game will never be taken away from Ryan Shazier, and no matter his physical health status, that will be a role he has with the team moving forward.
On the defensive breakdowns late in the season
Art Rooney on Steelers defense: "I think we're making progress. We have a lot of young players on defense. We can get better . . . We need to add people to it, obviously"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Art Rooney on Steelers defense: "By looking at things in the playoffs, it's not easy to play defense in this league anymore"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Rooney is right. Artie Burns, Javon Hargrave, Sean Davis, Bud Dupree, T.J. Watt and Mike Hilton are all still on rookie level contracts. Stephon Tuitt just finished his fourth season and this was year four for Shazier. However, the emphasis from the first quote is that he thinks it is obvious the team will add to the defense this offseason. Truly expect little to be done on the offensive side of the ball. Free agency and the draft will be defensive centered.
Rooney acknowledged a season ending with the most yards in a single game is not a good sign for defense. However, to have an elite defense in this period of football is also the greatest fix to an evolving offensive league.
On the Jesse James catch rule
And the surprise of the day: Steelers president Art Rooney said "the Jesse James play was actually called the right way" but does not agree with the catch rule and "I'm for looking at it."
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 7, 2018
Everything Art Rooney said in his interview gives off the confidence that this is still a person who is in touch and has understanding and reason behind every decision he makes. Rooney understands that it was a situation where we have a good call under a bad rule. After the Patriot game, the Dez Bryant catch and most recent Super Bowl with Corey Clement, it is very clear that the rule is going to be looked at this offseason.
