NFL
Steelers agree to terms with Roethlisberger
By The Source
Aug 3, 2004

Latrobe, PA (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Steelers Tuesday signed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to a six-year contract.

As per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not released, but reports have the contract worth as much as $40 million with a signing bonus of around $9 million.

Roethlisberger, the 11th overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, finally reached an agreement after lengthy discussions with the Steelers. He had missed four practices and hopes to report to camp on Friday.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Roethlisberger was drafted behind Eli Manning and Philip Rivers, but is thought to have the strongest throwing arm of the group.

He became the first quarterback drafted by the Steelers in the first round since Mark Malone in 1980. Roethlisberger is expected to back up Tommy Maddox this season, but could move into the starter's spot as early as 2005.

Roethlisberger completed 854-of-1,304 passes for 10,829 yards at Miami-Ohio, with 84 touchdowns and 34 interceptions.