There may be a reason behind the Pittsburgh Steelers’ disagreements over a contract extension with Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca: Ben Roethlisberger.
The Post-Gazette reports today that Roethlisberger may be set to receive the lenghiest and most lucrative contract extension in Pittsburgh sports history. Roethlisberger, in his fourth year with the team, is currently among the lowest paid starting quarterbacks in the NFL, set to earn about $1 million this season.
He’s made up for his lack of contract through bonuses — $9 million in signing bonuses during his 11 months with the team — but a deal may be in order. At this point, backup Charlie Batch is set to earn more than Roethlisberger, about $1.36 million in 2007.
If this contract extension is coming, it would explain why the team has chosen not to extend starting guard Alan Faneca’s contract on his terms. Faneca, who has been selected to 6 consecutive Pro Bowls, has since asked for a trade.
If in fact the reasoning behind the Faneca debacle is Roethlisberger, the team might be making a mistake. With much time still remaining on the quarterback’s contract, the team would be better suited surrounding him with a solid foundation at the offensive line. Losing Faneca will have a direct impact on how much pressure is forced on Roethlisberger, something the team can’t afford.
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Then again, by the time Ben’s contract runs out and a new one is needed in 2 years Faneca may be done and the Steelers may be saddled with a player that will cost them big bucks to cut if they sign him to a long term contract update now. Apparently they think they have someone coming who can step up and play in Faneca’s place on the line, if not up to Faneca’s quality of play, close enough to keep Ben safe.
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