Ben Roethlisberger contract details: Steelers QB takes pay cut to save Pittsburgh cap space

“Big Ben” takes a small pay cut.

On Thursday, the Steelers announced that they have signed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to a new contract for the 2021, effectively restructuring the remaining money on Roethlisberger’s contract and ending a months-long odyssey of the two parties dancing around one another in contract discussions.

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

Earlier in the offseason, Steelers brass indicated they would have liked to keep Roethlisberger around, just at a cheaper number than his $40 million cap hit he was scheduled to take into the 2021 season.

With Pittsburgh up against the cap and several key free agents — including wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and linebacker Bud Dupree — the team needed some wiggle room, which the restructured quarterback contract has given them.

“We know that Ben can still play at a high level and do special things for this team,” Steelers GM Kevin 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.”

Here’s how Roethlisberger’s new deal shakes out:

Ben Roethlisberger contract details

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Roethlisberger agreed to take a $5 million pay cut in the final year of his contract (2021), spreading his cash pay out into the 2022 season.

The move lowered Roethlisber’s 2021 cap hit by $15 million, down from the $41.2 million hit he was scheduled to account for in 2021. Roethlisberger was originally set to become a free agent following the 2021 season. Roethlisberger’s original cap number was the highest of any player in the league entering 2021.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that some of Roethlisberger’s money was converted into a signing bonus, with an out after the first season.

Per Spotrac, the cap hit the Steelers are expected to face is still over $22 million, but the Steelers still make out well in opening up cap space.

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