Ben R signs extension with the Steelers

[mjb2124]

http://post-gazette.com/pg/08063/862127-66.stm

8 year extension worth 102 MIL. I've also read 36 MIL is guaranteed.

[SpacemanSpiff]

Good job by the Steelers to lock up one of the more promising young qbs for a long time.

[poster]

Damn he broke the bank, and wow at the guarenteed flow.

[Karlos05]

HOORAY!

[Matt Diesel]

Good he deserves it. Their best player by far. Great QB.

[wwharton]

I actually think that's a bit nuts. We know the actual contracts are BS these days but that's a lot of money guaranteed... especially by the Steelers but I guess this isn't Cowher's team anymore.

This is what bothers me (Steelers fans, let me know what you think). Ben was asked about his motorcycle riding hobby before the accident. His responses then were dismissive. Since the accident he seemed to appreciate life and how much worse things could've been, but I don't think I was convinced that he'd never ride without a helmet again... just that he wouldn't do it all the time like he used to. Shouldn't there be some clause (maybe there is) that certian things like that could wipe away that huge bonus?

[mjb2124]

Quote: Originally Posted by wwharton

Shouldn't there be some clause (maybe there is) that certian things like that could wipe away that huge bonus?

He was asked about the clause during the interview and said his agents would have to be asked (they weren't present).

After the accident he did say that he wasn't going to ride a motorcycle again until he was finished with his playing career.

As for the contract, I think it's a good deal (and I trust Omar Khan who's worked all Steeler contracts over the years...he's one of the best in the business). It's a lot of money, but if he continues to play like he did last year, it will be well worth it. Consider that by the end of this contract, salaries will be even further inflated and this will probably look small in comparison. Honestly, I didn't get all the details about the guarantees, but it appears 25 MIL is the signing bonus and the 36 MIL "guaranteed" isn't exactly guaranteed. I'm sure I'll hear more later tonight and in the upcoming days.

At least now people can't claim the Rooney's are cheap. They haven't been for quite some time, but that notion has always stuck. I guess once someone gets a label, it's hard to shake it.

[OSUFan_88]

Too bad Big Ben is being surrounded by migit WR's and a terrible O-line...he could really be a top 5 QB in the NFL if he had actual talent around him.