By PFW staff
March 3, 2008

Ben Roethlisberger

The Steelers and QB Ben Roethlisberger have agreed to a contract extension. According to sources, the contract is for eight years and up to $102 million, with $36 million in guarantees, marking one of the richest deals ever for a quarterback. Roethlisberger, who turned 26 on Sunday, comes off perhaps his finest season ever. He completed 264-of-404 passes for 3,154 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2007, one year after struggling through an injury- and mistake-laden '06 campaign. Roethlisberger's original contract was to expire after the '09 season, and the Steelers made extending his contract a top offseason priority.

The PFW spin

The Steelers can rest easier now: Their most important player will be under contract for many years to come. It took a significant financial commitment, but that's life under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement in a league where difference-making quarterbacks are few and far between.

At 26, and with only eight seasons (one high school, three college, four NFL) of significant quarterbacking experience to his credit, the best may be yet to come for Roethlisberger. He took much better care of the ball last season, which led to a drop in interceptions. And no quarterback may be better at letting his receivers work open. He's so adept at extending the play with his feet and firing the ball accurately to his target.

As expected, the Steelers didn't get involved in the first wave of free agency, but they are expected to add a veteran or two as prices start to fall. ESPN.com reports a deal with reserve Vikings RB Mewelde Moore, a good pass catcher, is in the works. The Steelers also have depth issues along both the offensive and defensive lines, and they are looking for impact players on special teams.