The speculation can finally end. The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Thursday that they have signed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for a year to ensure his return for the 2021 season.
We have signed a new contract with QB Ben Roethlisberger for 2021.
– Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 4, 2021
In a statement, Roethlisberger said he was already looking forward to the start of the 2021 season.
“It is a great honor for me to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and to give everything for this organization,” said Roethlisberger. “I am grateful that I am at this stage in my career and that I am more than happy to adapt my contract so that the team best appeals to other players who are so important to our success. I love this game and love to Competing against each other I believe in this team and my ability to deliver when required. It all starts with great preparation and I’m ready to go. “
Money was the only thing standing in the way of Big Ben’s return
With both Roethlisberger and the Steelers showing a shared interest in Big Ben’s return as quarterback, the only thing that really stood in the way of Roethlisberger’s continuing career with the Steelers was money. With the 2020 COVID-19 season lowering the salary cap, the Steelers had to adjust its high salary to give itself more financial flexibility. Roethlisberger said of his agent Ryan Tollner in late February that he was “happy to creatively adjust his contract” so that he could return to the Steelers.
We don’t currently know what the adjustments are. The Steelers didn’t reveal any financial details on Wednesday.
Roethlisberger, who turned 39 on Tuesday, has spent his entire 17-year career with the Steelers. It’s not known if 2021 will be his final season before he retires, but the one-year contract makes it easy if he chooses to.
The story goes on
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 21: Ben Roethlisberger # 7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 21, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau / Getty Images)
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