Sticking around
Roethlisberger will return to Pittsburgh for 18th season
Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers agreed on a deal to keep him in Pittsburgh in 2021
» Ben Roethlisberger is returning for an 18th season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is taking a pay cut to do it.
The team and the two-time Super Bowl winner announced on Thursday they have agreed on a new contract that assures the 39year-old will be back in 2021.
Financial details were not immediately available, though the Steelers made no secret of the need for Roethlisberger to take a pay cut to ease some of the burden of his NFL-high $41.25-million salary-cap hit scheduled for 2021.
NFL Network, citing anonymous sources, said Roethlisberger’s new deal will essentially pay him $14 million this season and adds four voidable years to spread out the dead money.
“I am grateful to be at this stage of my career and more than happy to adjust my contract in a way that best helps the team to address other players who are so vital to our success,” Roethlisberger said in a statement. “I love this game and love to compete, and I believe in this team and my ability to deliver when called upon. It all starts with great preparation and I am ready to go.”
Roethlisberger passed for 3,803 yards with 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 15 games in 2020 after missing almost all of 2019 with a right elbow injury. The Steelers won their first 11 games on their way to a 12-4 record and captured the AFC North title but were stunned at home by Cleveland in the first-round of the playoff game thanks in part to four Roethlisberger interceptions.
Steelers President Art Rooney II, head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert all expressed the desire to bring Roethlisberger, stressing the need to do it in a way that gives the Steelers some financial flexibility. The new contract does offer a bit
more freedom, but Pittsburgh is facing several high-profile departures in free agency.
Wide receiver JuJu SmithSchuster, outside linebacker Bud Dupree, running back James Conner and left tackle Alejandro Villanueva are among more than a dozen Steelers who will hit the open market this month.
Conner and Villanueva are unlikely to be brought back after underwhelming play in 2020. Smith-Schuster and Dupree have likely priced themselves out of a return.
Throw in the retirements of center Maurkice Pouncey and tight end Vance McDonald and the decision to part with offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner — all three of whom have a close relationship with Roethlisberger —
and the veteran quarterback will find himself in the midst of an overhaul.
The franchise’s leader in just about every major statistical passing category remains, he was at the controls of an offense that finished last in the NFL in yards rushing and yards per rushing attempt. Those are numbers the front office said it will spend the offseason trying to improve.
Pittsburgh has the 24th pick in the draft and several glaring needs, particularly along the offensive line. If left guard Matt Feiler — also a free agent — doesn’t come back, Roethlisberger could find himself playing behind a line with three new starters and a running back that isn’t Conner for the first time since 2017. Include the imminent de
parture of the reliable SmithSchuster and the absence of McDonald — in essence a third tackle in 2020 when he was on the field — and the Steelers will have a very different look in 2021.
Yet rather than nudge Roethlisberger toward retirement and see what the club has in backup Mason Rudolph — who is entering the final year of his rookie deal — the Steelers will run it back hoping their late-season fade was a one-off.
“We know that Ben can still play at a high level and do special things for this team,” Colbert said. “Our goal remains the same, to put together a roster that will compete for another championship. We are happy that Ben will be one of our leaders to help us accomplish that goal.”
ARIES: (March 21-April 19) Projects that were once laborious are easier to complete today. Make a social occasion of doing chores by asking for a friend’s assistance.
TAURUS: (April 20-May
20) Both business and personal relationships reach a turning point. Hidden factors are revealed to change your opinions and perspectives.
GEMINI: (May 21-June 20) You greet the day with a volatile and intense relationship situation in progress. Meditate on whether to hold on or to just let go and move forward.
CANCER: (June 21-July
22) Revel in the success someone close to you enjoys. Then the rest of today is just for you. The magic of extra sleep. Drink fluids to detoxify the body.
LEO: (July 23-Aug. 22) You are a wandering free spirit in matters of the heart, even if completely attached. Romantic needs are evolving.
VIRGO: (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Modernization of your surroundings might be pleasing. A new theme or home remodeling project appears. The sale or purchase of property could pave the way to financial freedom..
LIBRA: (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today finds you especially talkative and promises an interesting daily schedule punctuated by numerous messages and outings.
SCORPIO: (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You experience some frustration linked to money matters today. Go over everything with a fine-tooth comb and consider new strategies for enhancing your finances and your security.
SAGITTARIUS: (Nov. 22Dec. 21) A fiery natural leader, quick to act and speak, you keep life moving. Each new day brings a fresh start, a time to welcome a myriad of novel possibilities.
CAPRICORN: (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Dreams reflect and provide insights concerning your path. Be aware of how repeating habits and patterns affects your life’s path for good or ill.
AQUARIUS: (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today offers a marvelous cycle for professional networking.
Call up old friends with whom you haven’t spoken to in eons.
PISCES: (Feb. 19-March 20) Express creative ideas at work. It’s a wonderful day to combine business with pleasure.