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The Pittsburgh Steelers are typically a tight-lipped organization. In the past, nothing would ever leave the South Side facility in terms of rumors, trades or player moves … that is unless the Steelers wanted such information released.
I was just as shocked as anyone when hearing about the potential trade rumors surrounding the Steelers’ franchise quarterback. Not that there is a great amount of validity that accompanies these reports, but if Steelers fans want to brush this under the rug, then they aren’t looking at the situation the same way that I am.
I wrote an article about the many difficult decisions the Steelers face at the end of this season, and Ben Roethlisberger‘s contract is certainly atop the to-do list for the Steelers organization. Roethlisberger is due $12.1 million next season due to the constant re-structuring of his contract that has happened the last four years.
The Steelers have said they want to extend Roethlisberger’s contract at season’s end, which will not only keep Big Ben in the black and gold for the duration of his career, but will also allow the Steelers to maneuver around the salary cap as they seem to do every season.
Looking at how this season is going, don’t think that some in the organization haven’t toyed with the idea of trading no. 7 for some hefty draft picks and/or another quality football player. It could just have been talk around the board room table, but I guarantee the discussion has taken place.
Should it be even talked about? Well, to me, no one is safe on this team anymore … even Ben Roethlisberger. In complete honesty, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Steelers themselves sparked this rumor to get extension talks started or to gauge interest from other NFL clubs.
When the dust settles from these “erroneous” rumors, nothing will change. Roethlisberger still has two years left on his contract, and unless the Steelers are unable to agree to a contract extension, he will finish his career in Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger has already addressed these rumors, as has his agent and the Steelers organization. With that said, these rumors stemmed from somewhere.
If you are a gambling individual, put your money on Roethlisberger finishing his career with the Steelers. Double down on his contract extension coming during this offseason, and even throw down some cash on Big Ben playing in another Super Bowl before his career is over.
However, don’t think that these talks don’t have some validity to them. After all, such “erroneous” reports don’t make their way to the NFL Network, ESPN and Fox Sports without some qualified individuals behind them breaking a code of silence.
Jeff Hartman covers the Pittsburgh Steelers for www.RantSports.com and also contributes for the Penguins and Pirates. Follow him on Twitter @BnGBlitz
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