Roethlisberger scores a big one

Steelers give QB 8-year extension

Talk about a comeback.

Ben Roethlisberger signed an eight-year contract extension yesterday with the Pittsburgh Steelers that is worth $102 million and makes him one of the league's top-paid players.

"He's a Steeler and he'll always be a Steeler," team chairman Dan Rooney said.

The agreement comes after Roethlisberger reestablished himself as one of the NFL's best quarterbacks last season, and nearly two years after his life and career were threatened by a motorcycle crash. The accident happened a few months after he led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory.

Roethlisberger's contract guarantees him $36 million and is easily the largest in the Steelers' 76-season history. The quarterback, who turned 26 Sunday, gets $25 million immediately as a signing bonus.

"I told them I didn't want to go anywhere the day I walked in [as a rookie in 2004]," Roethlisberger said. "I love Pittsburgh, I love the fans . . . I don't want to go anywhere."

Last season, Roethlisberger threw a team-record 32 touchdown passes with only 11 interceptions in leading the Steelers to a 10-6 regular-season mark and the playoffs, a major turnaround from his 23-interception campaign in 2006.

Roethlisberger was due a $2.95 million bonus this month that, if paid, would have put the Steelers over the salary cap. By reworking Roethlisberger's contract now, the team rolled that bonus into his new contract and can prorate his signing bonus over the eight years of the contract.

The Steelers also signed running back-kick returner Mewelde Moore to a three-year deal after four seasons with the Vikings.

Pace, Woody join Jets

The Jets continued their proactive role in free agency, signing linebacker Calvin Pace, who is coming off a career year with the Cardinals, and offensive lineman Damien Woody, who spent the last four seasons with Detroit after breaking into the NFL with the Patriots.

According to the NFL Network, Woody agreed to a five-year contract worth $25.5 million, with $11 million guaranteed.

"Damien is a versatile player that has experience at a number of positions," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "I spent four seasons with Damien in New England and know that he is a diligent performer with a good work ethic."

Pace had 98 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks, and an interception for Arizona in 2007 after moving from defensive end to linebacker full time. His contract is worth $42 million over six years, with $20 million guaranteed.

The Jets also officially introduced guard Alan Faneca, whose free agent deal of five years and $40 million makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league.

Finding new flocks

Two ex-Falcons found new homes, while a franchise icon is on his way out of Atlanta.

Former Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler found a new home with the Titans, agreeing to a two-year contract after being released last month by Atlanta. Crumpler, 30, was plagued by knee problems in 2007, when he had 42 catches for 444 yards and five touchdowns. He was due to count $5.1 million against the Falcons' salary cap in 2008.

Linebacker Demorrio Williams, who started all but six games for Atlanta the last three seasons, signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs, who also claimed fullback Oliver Hoyte off waivers from Dallas.

One day after Atlanta added the top running back in free agency, Michael Turner, the Falcons released Warrick Dunn, third in rushing in franchise history. Dunn, 33, ran for only 720 yards last season, his fewest since 2003.

"Making moves like this one are never easy," said new coach Mike Smith. "But we have to do what we feel is in the best long term interest of the Falcons."

Giants add Knight

Veteran safety Sammy Knight signed a three-year contract with the Super Bowl champion Giants, believed to be worth between $5 million and $6 million. Knight replaces Gibril Wilson, who signed with Oakland last week. Knight, 32, led Jacksonville with 93 tackles last season to go with four interceptions, and has 42 INTs over his 12-year career . . . Following his eight-sack season for Tennessee, defensive end Antwan Odom received a five-year deal from the Bengals worth $29.5 million. The four-year veteran will receive $11.5 million in guaranteed money . . . Former Patriot David Patten, one of the Saints' leading receivers last season, his 11th in the NFL, re-upped with New Orleans by agreeing to a two-year contract . . . The Buccaneers acquired Brian Griese, who quarterbacked Tampa Bay in the 2004 and '05 seasons, from the Bears in exchange for an undisclosed 2009 draft pick . . . The Rams filled a pressing need by signing free agent guard Jacob Bell to a six-year contract . . . Safety Yeremiah Bell re-signed with the Dolphins for one year after missing the final 15 games last season because of a ruptured Achilles' tendon . . . The 49ers added a trio of free agents - running back DeShaun Foster, quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, and linebacker Dontarrious Thomas . . . The Panthers came to terms with veteran guard Keydrick Vincent on a two-year, $2 million deal . . . The Broncos brought aboard wide receiver Keary Colbert and linebacker Niko Koutouvides, and re-signed defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, who missed all of last season with a ruptured Achilles' . . . Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas was arrested after police said they found cocaine and a handgun in a pickup truck during a traffic stop in Orange Park, Fla. Thomas was charged with possession of a controlled substance and released from jail Sunday after posting a $2,500 bond.