Moss, Big Ben get new deals
The veteran wide receiver, coming off a record 23-touchdown catches during the Patriots' unbeaten regular season, re-signed Monday, getting a three-year deal worth $27 million, his agent said. The signing was confirmed by the team shortly after Moss posted a message to fans on his Web site.
"I want to take time out to thank all of the fans for their support and for wishing me well in my return to New England," therealrandymoss.com quotes him as saying. "I'm ready to get back. We have some unfinished business to take care of."
Moss' agent, Tim DiPiero, said the deal included guarantees of $15 million, with a $12 million signing bonus to the 31-year-old receiver who helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl in his first season with the team.
"What Randy did for our team last year was outstanding," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "He is one of our most consistent, competitive and team-oriented players and it is undoubtedly a relationship we are excited to continue."
After a weekend of big spending around the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to spend their big bucks on Ben.
The signing came on the same day the New York Jets unveiled an ex-Steeler, 31-year-old guard Alan Faneca, who got $21 million guaranteed on a five year, $40 million contract. The Jets also signed linebacker Calvin Pace away from Arizona and offensive lineman Damien Woody away from Detroit.
The Steelers think they got a great deal on Roethlisberger.
"This is about being a Pittsburgh Steeler for as long as I can be. I love Pittsburgh," said Roethlisberger, whose fourth season included 32 touchdown passes with just 11 interceptions after a down 2006 season marred by injury and illness.
He added that he "wanted to be like the Dan Marinos, like the John Elways, guys who played with one team their whole career."
In addition to re-signing Roethlisberger, the Steelers signed running back Mewelde Moore from Minnesota. He's expected to be their third-down back.
The Jets have been extremely active since the free-agency period began Friday. They acquired defensive tackle Kris Jenkins from Carolina for draft picks; traded linebacker Jonathan Vilma to New Orleans for a draft pick; signed Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca to a five-year deal; signed former Utah defensive tackle Sione Pouha to a contract extension and fullback Stacy Tutt to an exclusive-rights contract.
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i love the patriots
billy ray- | March 20, 2008 at 12:37 p.m.
