Report: Steelers, Roethlisberger to Restructure Deal

Are doors beginning to open for Antonio Brown’s exit in Pittsburgh?

On Saturday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger are expected to restructure Roethlisberger’s current deal.

Roethlisberger, who is in the final year of his deal, would be looking at a contract extension to play past the 2019 season. A new deal would solidify Ben’s commitment to playing, a luxury that’s been in question the past few off-season’s due to his talk of a possible retirement.

The main focus of the contract restructure will be on Roethlisberger’s salary. Big Ben makes nearly $22 million annually, a number that figures to drop down based on the quarterback’s age, performance, and other team needs.

With the recent controversy surrounding Antonio Brown, some are speculating a new contract for Roethlisberger would free more room to absorb the nearly $22 million in dead cap space the Steelers would carry in 2019.

The future of Brown in Pittsburgh remains to be seen, yet if the Steelers are indeed preparing to ship Brown away, a restructure on Roethlisberger’s deal makes sense to accomplish their goal.