In the last couple of offseasons, there have been questions concerning Pittsburgh Steelers star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's long-term future in the NFL. Following the Steelers' disappointing early playoff exit, Roethlisberger did make it clear that he plans on playing three to five more years.

The 36-year-old once again reiterated that he still feels like he still has plenty left in the tank to play several years behind what he believes what should be a stout offensive line in front of him next season, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

“Being excited about the group we have, the linemen in particular in front of me,” said Roethlisberger from Tuesday's organized team activities session. “I'm healthy, and just lots of prayers and spending time with family. I'm still going to take it one year at a time but just feeling like what you have left in the tank.”

These comments will take on more scrutiny given the presence of rookie quarterback Mason Rudolph, who Roethlisberger didn't necessarily extend a welcoming hand to after he brought aboard in the third round of this year's draft. There is a clear desire from the Pro Bowler to keep playing as long as his body continues to hold up from the physical grind that the NFL brings forth.

What may be pushing Roethlisberger to continue to play is that he is still playing a high level. He had finished the 2017 season with 4,251 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes, 10th with a 64.2 completion rate, and a 93.4 passer rating. This was his fifth season with more than 4,000 passing yards and seventh with more than 25 passing touchdowns.

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He certainly showed his continued effectiveness under center in the divisional round loss to the Jaguars by completing 37-of-58 passes for 469 yards and five touchdown passes against a stout Jacksonville secondary. In fact, he was the first player in league history to lose a playoff game despite throwing five touchdown passes.

All of this may ultimately depend on he is performing at this stage of his career as the Steelers have put together a team that could once again be in the picture to contend for a Super Bowl.