The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has signed a four year extension with one year left on his current contract. The team did not announce the exact terms of the contract. However, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the five-year deal is worth $99 million and can escalate to $108 million.
Pittsburgh Steelers Ink Ben Roethlisberger to 5-year, $99M Deal
Roethlisberger was headed to free agency after the 2015 season and has a base salary of $11.6 million this season. Roethlisberger signed an eight-year, $102 million contract in 2008. This contract would make Roethlisberger the first of his 2004 draft quarterback class to sign a second long-term deal. San Diego Chargers’ Philip Rivers and New York Giants’ Eli Manning are likely to seek similar contract extensions.
In 2014, the Steelers had a stellar offense led by Roethlisberger with running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receivers Antonio Brown and rookie Martavis Bryant. Ultimately, the injury to Bell in the last regular season game and the significant decline of the defense led to an early playoff exit for the Steelers.
Steelers Committed to Winning Now
The signing of Roethlisberger indicates the Steelers commitment to winning now with a top ten offense. The focus in the upcoming draft will likely focus on rebuilding the defense with an infusion of speed and talent.
