Big Ben gets new $102 million contract with the Steelers

Michigan

The Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have agreed to a new eight-year, $102 million contract, according to sources.

The contract, which includes more than $36 million in guarantees and is easily the largest in team history, places Big Ben among the game's highest-paid players. In comparison, Peyton Manning received a $34.5 million signing bonus in his big deal and Michael Vick received $37 million in guarantees from the Falcons in his mega deal. Both Manning's and Vick's deals were signed in 2004.

Roethlisberger now joins Manning, Brett Favre, Carson Palmer, Donovan McNabb and the suspended Vick in the $100 million quarterback club.

Roethlisberger's agents, Ryan and Bruce Tollner of REP 1 Sports, traveled to Pittsburgh and finalized the deal with the Steelers late Sunday night. The team is expected to announce the move Monday in a press conference.

Roethlisberger, who turned 26 on Sunday, is coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he completed more than 65 percent of his passes with a tean-record 32 touchdowns and an efficiency rating of 104.1, leading the Steelers to an AFC North title and the playoffs for the third time in his four seasons.

Roethlisberger, who two years ago became the youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl, grew as a team leader last season and bounced back from a disappointing 2006 where his offseason was marred by a serious motorcycle accident and an appendectomy.

In addition to a pay raise, the Steelers are also in the process of adding another weapon to Roethlisberger's arsenal. Pittsburgh hosted former Vikings running back Mewelde Moore on Sunday and his signing appears imminent.

Moore will provide Pittsburgh's offense with the legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield it had lacked. He's also likely to serve as the team's primary kickoff and punt returner.

perkdog

I guess there is no reason he shouldnt be right up there with Palmer/McNabb as far as payroll is concerned-he already has a brought a trophy home for Pittsburgh and his ability as a Top Flight QB is without question IMO...

stevek

Wonder if that new contract wording included "No motorcycle riding"

mercurynut

Ben Roethlisberger has talent and is worth paying some cash for but I wonder if he is a true leader and worth being payed among the elite in the NFL.

Maybe some Steeler fans can enlighten me on weather his teammates will follow him into battle blindly.

perkdog

<< <i>Wonder if that new contract wording included "No motorcycle riding" >>



Notice- Tom Brady is too smart for that stuff.

Morgoth

I think it's a good signing, he is a smart QB that is big enough to get out of alot of sacks even though he had alot, w/o his athleticisim the Steelers would have had many more (Faneca had a bad year IMO as he was unhappy and the Steelers O-line was average at best).

I think he was improved in all areas in much the way a Manning, Favre or Aikeman have over their careers. I think now he will start being consistent and have 7 good years in a row. I think his 2006 season was easy to dismiss due to injuries.

Clemaz

It was a good sining. The Steelers needed to wrap him up. I agree with others that he is only going to get better as his career goes along. He could use a few more quality recievers and an o-line.

Bosox1976

<< Notice- Tom Brady is too smart for that stuff. >>

He's got something better to ride.



Good move by the Steelers - Big Ben is a perfect fit, and produces.

abmluce

Maybe now he can afford a helmet