Steelers make Troy Polamalu highest paid safety in NFL (5 yrs, $33 million deal)

[Nick]

Steelers, Polamalu agree to 5-year contract extension
Monday, July 23, 2007
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
(Published: 3:40 p.m., updated 3:51 p.m.)

The Steelers agreed to a contract extension today with safety Troy Polamalu, assuring one of their best players will remain in Pittsburgh for a while longer.

Polamalu signed a five-year contract worth $33 million, making him the highest-paid Steeler and highest-paid safety in the NFL. He will receive bonuses -- including signing and roster -- of $15,375,000.

Polamalu, who has made every Pro Bowl since he became the Steelers starting strong safety in 2004, had one year left on the contract he signed as a rookie in 2003.

At 5-10, 207 pounds, Polamalu plays a unique brand of safety, lining up in various positions on defense. Coordinator Dick LeBeau has designed many of his defenses to take advantage of Polamalu's ability.

Maybe it's just because of what Freeney and Redding recently got, but $33 million over five years just doesn't seem like that much, even though it makes him the highest paid safety in the league.

[laram0]

Originally Posted by Nick

Maybe it's just because of what Freeney and Redding recently got, but $33 million over five years just doesn't seem like that much, even though it makes him the highest paid safety in the league.

Highest paid Steeler also.

[RamFan_Til_I_Die]

I'll never forget the game where Larry Johnson tackled him by his hair...classic.

http://www.yikers.com/video_larry_jo..._the_hair.html