Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger restructures contract to provide salary cap relief

To create more salary cap space before the NFL calendar year opens Wednesday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers have restructured the contract of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, according to a source.

Roethlisberger, 38, had his $8.5 million base salary and $12.5 million roster bonus converted into a signing bonus that will be spread over the two years remaining on his contract. A restructure will provide $9.975 million in cap relief for 2020.

Roethlisberger signed a two-year extension last year, then played only six quarters before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. The downside of the restructure is that Roethlisberger faces a salary cap hit of at least $40 million in 2021.

The Steelers also have restructured the contracts of cornerbacks Joe Haden and Steve Nelson, tight end Vance McDonald and kicker Chris Boswell by converting their salaries into signing bonuses. Those restructures have provided an approximate $10 million in cap relief. Counting roster moves made Monday, the Steelers have lopped $35 million off their salary cap for 2020.

The Steelers entered the week as the only NFL team that had spent over the $198.2 million salary cap. The Steelers saved $15.1 million by Ramon Foster’s retirement and by releasing Anthony Chickillo, Mark Barron and Johnny Holton. Those moves helped offset the $15.828 million franchise tag for outside linebacker Bud Dupree.

Cap space also is needed so the Steelers can offer contracts to restricted free agents Matt Feiler, Mike Hilton and Zach Banner. That could cost as much as $8.5 million. The Steelers should have some money left over to be active in free agency. They already have lost nose tackle Javon Hargrave and special teams player Tyler Matakevich in the legal tampering period.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.