Ben Roethlisberger Believes He’s Taking A Bit Of A “Hometown Discount” By Playing Out Current Deal

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger discussed his current contract situation with Allen Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Roethlisberger mentioned that the team’s recent decision shutdown negotiations regarding a new contract is a “unique” approach given what they have done in the past.

“Usually the Steelers do a quarterback deal with two years to go, which would be this year. … It’s kind of a unique thing,” Roethlisberger said Saturday.

Roethlisberger added that playing the 2014 season under his current deal is like taking somewhat of a “hometown discount.”

“Playing this year at my current salary, it’s kind of taking a hometown discount,” Roethlisberger said. “I’ve played seven years on my current contract, which is the most of any (NFL) player or any quarterback. … It is kind of taking a discount compared to maybe where it could be compared to other quarterbacks.”

Roethlisberger, 32, still has two years remaining on his eight-year, $102 million contract that included $33.2 million guaranteed. He is set to earn $12.1 million for the upcoming season and another $11.6 million in 2015.

That’s not a lot when you consider that several quarterbacks are now making over $18 million per year, despite the fact that Big Ben has been much more successful over the course of his career.

A new contract would give the Steelers some flexibility to lower his cap figures of $18.895 million and $18.395 million to something more manageable. 

It will be interesting to see what kind of deal he is able to secure when the two sides start of contract talks next year.

In 2013, Roethlisberger completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 4,261 yards, 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.