NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport has confirmed that the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have reached an agreement on a two-year contract extension. This means that Big Ben will remain with the Steelers until at least the end of the 2021 season.
The negotiation of this deal has been ongoing for a while, with both parties eager to finalize it before the start of the 2019 NFL Draft on Thursday. According to Rapoport, they managed to finalize the extension a day ahead of the deadline.
While the extension is for two years, it will be officially announced as a new three-year deal for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although it does not reach the level of Russell Wilson’s $35 million contract, it is expected to be a lucrative deal in the range of tens of millions with a substantial signing bonus. The agreement also ensures that Roethlisberger will finish his career wearing the Steelers uniform.
“I am thankful to the Rooneys and the Steelers organization for their continued faith in me,” Roethlisberger expressed in a statement. “It has always been a lifelong aspiration to spend my entire career in Pittsburgh. This city is our home, and my family and I cherish it deeply. Entering my 16th year as a Steeler, I am still as thrilled as I was on the day they drafted me. I pledge to give my absolute best to the team.”
