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The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to extend one of their players prior to the 2016 regular season, but it wasn't Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, Markus Wheaton or David DeCastro. No, it was former 6th round pick Vince Williams. The ILB was rewarded with a 2-year contract extension, and the financial details of that contract have recently been released.
It appears that Steelers LB Vince Williams' 2-yr extension (thru 2018) includes a $1.5M signing bonus and salaries of $2M in 2017 and 2018.
— Ian Whetstone (@IanWhetstone) August 26, 2016
Vince Williams' new deal represents more than core special teamer money, but well below starter money. It's a rotational player contract.
— Ian Whetstone (@IanWhetstone) August 26, 2016
The Steelers continue their 2016 season of signing players to very team-friendly contracts which are tremendous for their salary cap, but also team chemistry.
Williams is not just a quality backup, or a future starter if Lawrence Timmons doesn't return after this season, he is a big part of the locker room. Who was it who made the comments about Vontaze Burfict after he celebrated the injury to Le'Veon Bell.
Vince Williams.
Who was it who stood by what he said when everyone was cracking down on him?
Vince Williams.
Plain and simple, this was a smart move both from a football standpoint, as well as a financial standpoint. It will be good to see No. 98 in the black and gold for another three years.