A source with knowledge of the new contract to be signed by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tells us that Roethlisberger will receive a practical guarantee of $38.7 million.

Ho.  Lee.  Crap.

It’s a staggering amount for any team to pay in guaranteed money, and it’s almost incomprehensible that the Steelers would do it. 

Technically, the guaranteed money is in the range of $36 million.  But it’s arguably fair to include the first-year salary and a non-guaranteed roster bonus due at the outset of the 2009 league year, especially since portions of the second-year and third-year base salaries are guaranteed.

The deal is a six-year extension of the two years remaining on Roethlisberger’s rookie deal.  He is now under contract through 2015.