Ben on the Move?

Update (4/21/10): Roethlisberger has been suspended for 6 games, but provided he adheres to guidelines set forth by the commish, it could be lessened to 4 games.

This shouldn't surprise you.

NFL.com is reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers have had internal discussions on trading quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In the wake of two offseasons with allegations of sexual assault, it easy to understand that the Rooneys are growing tired of having the proud Steelers name dragged through the mud. Now that there has been a release of documentation from the investigation, people, including the Rooney family, are most likely to view Roethlisberger in an even darker light. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette obtained a copy of the documents for a story released today.

Jason LaCanfora of NFL.com writes this:

The Steelers' front office has talked internally about possible trade scenarios that could be feasible and what makes sense for the team. According to a source, if other teams called about Roethlisberger, the Steelers would intently listen.

The Steelers could envision several trade scenarios, but they're skeptical about other teams taking on Roethlisberger, given his baggage. However, they also realize his contract is tradeable in an uncapped year, with the bonuses already paid and Roethlisberger signed for six more years at a manageable salary for a franchise quarterback ($8.05 million in 2010, $11.6 million per year from 2011 to 2014, and $12.1 million in 2015).

Talk about things that make you go "Hmm...".

LaCanfora elaborates even more in that Pittsburgh would consider trading Roethlisberger to the St. Louis Rams for the #1 overall pick in next week's draft. The reason is obvious. The Steelers love Sam Bradford. The Rams are rumored to take Bradford with that #1 pick. Would the Rams be willing to make this move straight up, #1 overall pick for Big Ben? Would the Rams want to take on the baggage of Roethlisberger in light of the released documents?

So, if Ben is moving, where? Who needs a QB?

Many teams do. Buffalo is one. Some mock drafts have them taking Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen at #9. Cleveland. They hold the #7 pick, but I don't see this due to the perceived rivalry between the organizations. It might be a bit different now that Mike Holmgren is in charge. Oakland. Yes, Oakland. They have the 8th pick and we all know the varied opinions on JaMarcus Russell, shed weight or not. Seattle sits at #6. With Matthew Hasselbeck getting a bit long in the tooth and no clear option after his days are done, Ben is a great pickup for Pete Carroll. With these teams, it could depend if Pittsburgh is as high on Clausen as they are on Bradford. If it's close, it's possible.

There's a few more. San Francisco, Carolina, Denver and Arizona could also be in the "mix". Problem here is that none of the teams would currently have a legit shot at getting Bradford or Clausen. The Broncos pick the earliest of these teams at #11. San Francisco has two picks in the first round at #13 and #17. The Cardinals are at #26. Carolina has no first round pick as they traded that to San Francisco during last year's draft.

But let's be real. It will take more than just a first round pick for any of these teams (or others) to acquire Roethlisberger. The Seahawks and 49ers have an added advantage of having two first round selections in next week's draft (Seattle is at #6 and #14). If either team approaches Pittsburgh and offers both of their first round picks, it would be hard for Pittsburgh to decline. Plus, if a deal is made with either of those teams, Pittsburgh would have three first round picks this year as the currently have #18. That #18 pick and Ben sent packing? Not seeing it, but never say never.

The most likely deal would be for a team to offer the Steelers their first rounder this year and next year.

Then again, Ben can sit back, sit out a rumored two game suspension and stay in Pittsburgh forever.

Provided he behaves.