Art Rooney II believes Roethlisberger will return to Steelers in 2017

Breathe easy, Pittsburgh fans.

Steelers president Art Rooney II told reporters Tuesday that he recently had a "good conversation" with Ben Roethlisberger and believes the star quarterback will return in 2017, via Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"He's at that stage of his career where there are thoughts I think you have," Rooney said. "I personally think he'll be back, but that's his decision."

Roethlisberger first revealed in the days after the AFC Championship Game that he intended to "consider all options" in evaluating his future.

In combination with his age - Roethlisberger will turn 35 in March - Rooney suggested that the comments hinting at retirement may have come as a result of the frustrating playoff loss to the New England Patriots.

Roethlisberger, who has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, remains firmly entrenched among the league's most productive quarterbacks.

The Steelers will almost certainly enter the fall as a popular Super Bowl contender should he indeed put off retirement for at least another year.

Starting 14 games this season, his 13th since joining the Steelers as a first-round pick in 2004, Roethlisberger completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 3,819 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.