Monday, March 3rd, 2008 by Adam Wagner
Big bucks for Big Ben
As you probably know by now, Ben Roethlisberger, better known to most as just “Ben,” inked an eight-year, $102 million contract extension that assures that he will be under center for the Steelers for, well, the next eight seasons. The potential issue with this extension for many, however, is that the Steelers have never been a team that focuses on the passing game and by giving Rothlisberger such a large contract, they are affirming their change from a run-oriented team to a pass-oriented team.
Now, there is no problem with that as the Steelers have Roethlisberger, an emerging stud WR in Santonio Holmes, a Todd Heap-like presence at TE in Heath Miller, and Pro Bowl possession receiver in Hines Ward, meaning that he has some of the parts to turn the Steelers into a very good passing team. Roethlisberger was right, however, in saying that he needs a big receiver to throw to (Indiana’s James Hardy sounds like a good idea right about now).
Whatever restrictions Roethlisberger puts on the team in terms of cap space are absolutely worth it, as the benefits of having a franchise quarterback, especially one who has already won a Super Bowl, far outweigh whatever negatives his contract incurs on salaries of other players. Knowing who will be under center and just how good he is will be a huge advantage for a team that had Kordell Stewart at quarterback for an extensive period of time.
The certainty that Roethlisberger brings as well as the assured level of success, however, is only as good as the protection that he receives. If, for instance, his protection is like it was this year, he will not earn his pay. If it is like it was in the Super Bowl season, he will be a successful Steeler for the duration of his contract.
The Steelers have shown a willingness to break from their longstanding traditions of avoiding longterm contracts (Troy Polamalu last season and Ben this season) or ignoring the QB position in general. Now they have to see if they can operate the way the rest of the NFL has for years, just at a higher level.
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