Franchise quarterbacks cure ills. Not having one expsoes them.
That's why the Pittsburgh Steelers signing Ben Roethlisberger to an eight-year, $102-million deal was the right thing to do. When you have a 26-year-old franchise passer, you make sure he isn't going anywhere.
The Steelers gave their quarterback peace of mind by rewarding him with the long-term deal. Roethlisberger has already won a Super Bowl ring, but it's more than that. He is just now reaching his prime. Locking him up for the long haul is the right thing. Some people will say it's a lot of money for such a young quarterback, but Roethlisberger is 26 and that's the right age to give him the long-term extension.
Franchise passers cure ills. Lack of one exposes them.
Big Ben is more than worth the money.