Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger Signs Deal, Giving Cap Space For Free Agency
It’s all smiles in Pittsburgh as the Steelers locked up their franchise quarterback with a five-year deal through the 2019 season. Ben Roethlisberger accompanied by his wife and children, stood alongside Art Rooney II, Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert, and Omar Khan to announce their excitement over, likely, the largest contract in team history.
“I am excited to be in a place like this, to be home, to be able to be here for my whole career…I feel very blessed to play for such a great franchise, and great coaches, great teammates, and the best fans in the world,” Roethlisberger said.
Without disclosing any contract specifics, Art Rooney II and Ben Roethlisberger agreed on the “fairness” of the new deal. It reportedly will lower his contract number for 2015 and provide the Steelers room to roam free agency.
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Roethlisberger commented, “We have a good young team with a lot talent and ability…we want to add more to the Lombardi trophy room.” Art Rooney II acknowledged that the contract was arranged to not only lock Ben up for his career but also to give them room under the salary cap to add more players, “We are shooting for our goals to win…putting the kind of team on the field that we have managed to do for most of the years…make sure we stay competitive and sign players.”
After recording his best season of his career and tying Drew Brees for the passing yards title, the now 33-year old Roethlisberger answered questions on the Steelers’ style of offense.
He was asked if the transition to an offense set to preserve his health was indeed good idea. Roethlisberger answered honestly, “I have had two straight years of good health…I am excited to go into the off-season healthy. When you are ready to get going and get yourself in the best possible shape and best position to win football games, that’s great for everybody.”
It has been great for everybody. And the lowering of his cap value hit for 2015 could work out well for Cam Heyward, Kelvin Beachum and maybe few defensive free agent pick-ups.