Steelers sign quarterback Roethlisberger to new deal

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger agreed on a new contract for the 2021 season that will pay him $14 million, the Post-Gazette has learned.

The new agreement will bring Roethlisberger’s cap hit down from the $41.2 million hit that was on the books for 2021 to $26.2 million. In essence, Roethlisberger agreed to a $5 million pay cut, and a new signing bonus will be spread out over four voidable years, the Post-Gazette has learned.

Roethlisberger will receive a $1.075 million base salary for 2021 and a signing bonus of $12.925 million. The Steelers can then absorb a one-time cap hit of a little more than $10 million in 2022.

The contract structure all but guarantees the 2021 season will be Roethlisberger’s final one with the Steelers.

“It is my greatest honor to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and give my all for this organization,” Roethlisberger said in a statement released by the team. “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. 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.”

By freeing up $15 million in cap space, the Steelers can attempt to sign some of their 19 players that are set to become free agents on March 17 and add outside free agents to fill the holes on their roster.

Roethlisberger’s return had been in doubt until last week when team president Art Rooney II announced that he would like to have Roethlisberger return next season. That statement came after Rooney and Roethlisberger met.