Dec 10, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he isn’t focused on breaking the bank with his next contract.
“I care about record-breaking Super Bowl wins and things like that — that’s more important to me,” Roethlisberger told ESPN during his football pro camp Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Roethlisberger has two years remaining on his contract as he enters his 15th season with the Steelers. The 36-year-old signed a five-year deal in 2015 that averages approximately $20 million per season.
While Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan reached the $30 million plateau with his latest contract this offseason, Roethlisberger insists he’s not worried about those numbers. In fact, Roethlisberger says he is willing to leave some money on the table as a means to reward his teammates.
“I have two years (left) on my contract. I’m not going to be one to sit here and worry about my contract,” Roethlisberger said. “That’s not my job. My job is to play football. I’ll let my representation, the Steelers worry about all that stuff. To me, it’s all about going out and playing now.
“I think there are a lot more, maybe a lot more important people who need to get their deals done now. For me to do it two years out, if it doesn’t make sense for the team, I’m not going to sit here and worry about it.”
Roethlisberger named offensive linemen Maurkice Pouncey and Marcus Gilbert as two players he’d like to see compensated.
The veteran quarterback played in every game in 2017 until sitting out the regular-season finale and earned his sixth Pro Bowl selection, throwing for 4,251 yards with 28 touchdowns versus 14 interceptions. He also became the first quarterback in history with three 500-yard games.
