On Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers inked a new deal with franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger that would extend his stay over the next five seasons. Initially terms of the deal were not revealed, but according to several news sources, Roethlisberger is expected to make $99 million before incentives.
Roethlisberger contract essentially gives him $87.4 in new money. Was set to make $11.6 in 15
— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) March 14, 2015
The #Steelers signed QB Ben Roethlisberger to a 5-year deal worth $99M that can escalate to $108M, source said. Big-time deal. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2015
The deal would secure Roethlisberger as one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the National Football League.
As @RapSheet said, Ben Roethlisberger gets $99M over next five years. As I understand it, could be viewed as a four-year, $87.4M extension.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 14, 2015
That puts Ben Roethlisberger’s new money average at $21.85 million/year, which lands him behind only Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 14, 2015
Also, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger gets $65 million over the first three years of the deal (2015-17), which is a record.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 14, 2015
DrGeorge
March 15, 2015 at 5:17 pm
Whether we like this deal or not, the Steelers really had no choice; they had developed no young stud to challenge Ben and were at an enormous disadvantage in the negotiations. The Steelers had no viable option. Given those circumstances, I think the terms are better than one would have expected.
Viewed charitably, the contract gives the Steelers a little time to develop greater depth at QB. For 5 years, that was not a priority. It is now. Ben is concussion and injury prone. He is always one hit from being gone for the season — and what happens after that? — Ben will still get his guaranteed money, and the Steelers will pay a huge price for procrastination.