Roethlisberger Signs Huge Deal

Pittsburgh Steelers' Quarterback Gets $102 Million for Eight Years

Mar 5, 2008

Ben Roethlisberger has proven himself to be a valuable player to the Pittsburgh Steelers' franchise. In return, he has been offered one of the largest deals in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has struck a deal with his team of four seasons, leading him to sign a $102 million contract that will keep him a Steeler for the next eight years. This contract deal makes Roethlisberger the highest paid Steeler in the history of the franchise and one of the highest paid players in the league.

The deal comes after Roethlisberger’s ideal performance last season, rebounding from a life threatening motorcycle crash two years ago. Among his highlights over last season, Roethlisberger threw 32 touchdown passes, breaking the team record. He also managed to throw only 11 interceptions during the Steelers’ 10-6 season which led the team to make an appearance at this season's playoffs.

The signing also served as a birthday present for Roethlisberger who turned 26 on Sunday, March 2nd on the day the deal was made. The signing came after almost a month of negotiations with his team who wants him to stay in Pittsburgh for the bulk of his career. Ben himself has stated that he hoped to remain a Steeler for “as long as I can be.” He will be immediately given $25 million as a signing bonus and is guaranteed $36 million of the $102 million contract. The nearly $3 million bonus that was due to Roethlisberger this month was also rolled into his new deal. Had the franchise been forced to pay it, it would have put them over their salary cap with only $2.4 million left. In signing now, this new deal allows the team to delay the payment owed to Roethlisberger this year.

Ben Roethlisberger hopes to use his established long term time with the Steelers to win more championships for the team. Since Roethlisberger’s rookie season in 2004, he has led the team to two AFC championship games, one Super Bowl game, which the team won in 2005, and three playoff games. This impressive list of accomplishments has given Big Ben the best start of any Pittsburgh quarterback in the 76 year history of the team.

Aside from dealing with Roethlisberger’s mega deal, the Steelers have also been busy acquiring the Vikings’ running back-kick returner Mewelde Moore to a three-year contract. Meanwhile, former Steelers’ guard Alan Faneca has signed a free agent five year deal with the New York Jets. Former New England Patriots free safety Eugene Wilson has also caught the Steelers’ eye as a potential free agent.

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