The Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep him in black and gold through the 2021 season, according to multiple reports Wednesday.
Roethlisberger, 37, and the Steelers reworked his $12 million base salary for 2019 and in each of the two new years of the deal — 2020 and 2021 — according to ESPN.
It comes in a time of transition and controversy for the Steelers. Star running back Le’Veon Bell signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the Jets after holding out all of last season. But receiver Antonio Brown was the bigger issue, at least as it relates to Roethlisberger.
Brown left the team after a practice feud with Roelthisberger before Week 17 last season and it spiraled into a feud with the entire franchise. Players past and present have chosen sides with some former Steelers attacking Roethlisberger’s selfishness. But this is the latest sign of the Steelers’ unwavering support in Roethlisberger.
The extension comes as quarterback salaries are ballooning.
Russell Wilson became the highest-paid player in NFL history last week, signing a four-year, $140 million extension, but Wilson is only 30. The most recent top quarterback in Roethlisberger’s age bracket to sign a new deal, Drew Brees, inked a two-year, $50 million contract in March 2018 at age 39.
At the start of the 2017 season, Roethlisberger said he believed he could play another three-to-five seasons.
Roethlisberger posted his best statistical season in 2018 — his 15th as a starter — leading the league and setting career highs in completions (452), attempts (675) and passing yards (5,129) and tossing a career-high 34 touchdown passes. The Steelers missed the playoffs, however, at 9-6-1.
The Steelers’ first-round pick (11th overall) in 2004, Roethlisberger is a two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowl selection. He ranks sixth in NFL history in passing yards (56,194) and seventh in touchdown passes (363).
— With Field Level Media