Pittsburgh Steelers extend Vince Williams, Chris Boswell

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed onto a new insurance plan in different departments as they agreed on contract extensions with linebacker Vince Williams and kicker Chris Boswell Thursday afternoon.

Vince Williams agreed to a 4-year deal with the team, extending his time in Pittsburgh through 2021. The exact amount the deal is worth is not yet specified by the Steelers. NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport reports the deal is worth over $20 million. In 2013 the Steelers drafted Williams in the sixth-round. The Florida State graduate has been a beacon on defense, producing over 275 tackles and 10.5 sacks in his 5 NFL seasons.

Williams stated, “I feel like the Rooney family gave me an opportunity to play professional football. It’s a great culture here. A great fan base. I take pride in being in Pittsburgh. It’s a hard-nosed group of individuals who work here. I feel like the people here are no nonsense, hard-working individuals. They are proud people too. I love this place. There have been so many great players that have played for the Steelers, so many great linebackers. Just the legacy here. The history. It’s so deep and rich. I really feel like I can relate to the people of Pittsburgh.”

In 2017 alone, Williams recorded 89 tackles and eight sacks, his best season yet. The 28 year old is guaranteed to continue bringing electricity to the defense as he enter his prime.

The Steelers also extended kicker Chris Boswell to a 5-year deal which will keep in black and gold until 2022. Boswell will reportedly be making just under $20 million a year, making him the most expensive kicker in football. The 27-year old Pro Bowler went 35 for 38 field goals and 37 for 39 extra points in 2017.

He’s notably been very good at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, which is infamous for its windy weather and the wrench that throws in a kickers game plan.

Boswell was four for all four of his attempts from 50 yards and longer. In 2017 he also tied the NFL record for most game winning field goals, as time expired, with three.

Boswell was set to enter the final year of his contract and become a restricted free agent. It’s no surprise that the Steelers extended his contract as he consistently has been the top performing kicker in the league for three seasons.

In the 2016/17 playoffs, Boswell single-handedly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs when he went six for six field goals as the Steelers won the AFC Divisional Round game 18-16.

Williams and Boswell promise to be valuable assets on the roster in the coming years.