Ben Roethlisberger: Steelers Re-Structure Big Ben's Contract to Free Cap Space

The Pittsburgh Steelers weren't about to sit idly by this offseason after suffering a disappointing defeat to the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

And neither was Ben Roethlisberger. 

According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Big Ben has agreed to a new, restructured deal to alleviate the team's concerns over cap room:

"

Add QB Ben Roethlisberger to list of many #steelers who have restructured their deals to make cap room in 2012.

— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 23, 2012"

How much cap room, you ask? Why, Bouchette has an answer for that, too:

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Roethlisberger's redone deal creates about $8 million in cap space for #steelers, agent Ryan Tollner tells me

— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 23, 2012"

Unfortunately for the Steelers, trimming down Roethlisberger's current salary won't necessarily allow the team much financial flexibility in free agency. Rather, the moves made by Pittsburgh's front office are merely meant to slide the team under the NFL's hard cap:

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That $8 M in cap space saved by Ben's redone deal should put #steelers around the projected $120 M cap per team.

— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 23, 2012"

Realistically, Roethlisberger's restructured contract won't give the Steelers the freedom to improve in other areas, at least not yet. Instead, it'll be up to Steelers GM Kevin Colbert to upgrade the roster, particularly the offensive line, through the draft.

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