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Steelers sign QB Ben Roethlisberger to one-year contract

The speculation can finally end. The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to a one-year contract, ensuring his return for the 2021 season, the team announced Thursday.

In a statement, Roethlisberger said he's excited to get started on the 2021 season.

"It is my greatest honor to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and give my all for this organization," said Roethlisberger. "I am grateful to be at this stage of my career and more than happy to adjust my contract in a way that best helps the team to address other players who are so vital to our success. I love this game and love to compete, and I believe in this team and my ability to deliver when called upon. It all starts with great preparation and I am ready to go."

Money was only thing in the way of Big Ben return

Since Roethlisberger and the Steelers expressed a mutual interest in having Big Ben return, the only thing that was ever in the way of Roethlisberger continuing his career with the Steelers was money. With the salary cap set to decrease due to the 2020 COVID-19 season, the Steelers needed to adjust his hefty salary in order to give themselves more financial flexibility. Roethlisberger, through his agent Ryan Tollner, said in late February that he was "happy to creatively adjust his contract" so he could return to the Steelers.

The Steelers didn't announce financial details, but ESPN's Adam Schefter filled in the missing information.

Roethlisberger, who turned 39 on Tuesday, has spent his entire 17-year career with the Steelers. It's unknown if 2021 will be his final season before retirement, but the one-year contract makes it easy if that's what he does.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 21, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

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