Earlier this week I was asked what should have been a simple question by my buddy Brad: What would you need in return to trade Ben Roethlisberger? My initial response was Sam Bradford and a 1st round pick in 2011 or Aaron Rodgers. That’s it. (Brad suggested Phillip Rivers. F that.) Upon further consideration and circulating rumors about an inevitable suspension and possible trade I have concluded the man is un-trade-able. Take time and think of his value. There are four teams in the NFL who could turn down a straight-up trade for their incumbent starter; Patriots, Colts, Saints, and Packers (I considered the Falcons with Matt Ryan but even they would have to consider). So while his stats and highlights may not reflect that of the games greats, you cannot deny Roethlisberger as one of the top five most valuable quarterbacks today.
I have been watching this team since the pigskin escaped Earnest Byner’s grip. For 18 years I watched the likes of Neil O’Donnell, Mike Tomzack, Kordell Stewart, and Tommy Maddox not have what it takes to make the Steelers a threat to the legitimate contenders. That all changed on a rainy Miami night, where a then 17 year old Mike Reed sat through the early stages of a hurricane to watch rookie Ben Roethlisberger’s first career start. We all remember what happened. The Steelers did not lose the rest of the regular season, falling to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Patriots in the Conference Title game. Since that first season, the Steelers have yet to finish with less than 8 wins. The playoffs have only been missed twice, including last year when they finished 9-7. The Colts have deservedly so been praised for their run of years with 10+ win seasons. Since 2004 the Steelers have averaged 10.8 wins per season. I looked into the pre-Ben years to compare. In the 20 seasons before Roethlisberger arrived Pittsburgh averaged 8.8 wins per season. So he’s good for 2 more wins at this point. In an era where 9 wins doesn’t guarantee the final playoff spot that has to mean a great deal. Now look at the playoff records. In the four seasons the Steelers have made the postseason with 7 under center their record sits at 4-2 with the only loses coming to the previously mentioned Patriots and a fluke loss to Jacksonville where Dick Lebeau failed to use one of his four linebackers to spy David Garrard at all times. By the way, those two games the defense gave up 41 and 31 points while Ben lead the offense to 27 and 29 points respectively. The “defensive minded” Steelers have only lost playoff games in the Roethlisberger-era when they have given up over 30 points. 6 of the 45 Super Bowls played have been won by the Steelers, but only when Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger have had the ball in their hands. So for all the “smash mouth” “run first” Steelers teams over the years, it has taken a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback to reach the ultimate goal of all NFL teams.
This has to factor into whatever decision the Rooney’s make. How far will they be set back should they part ways? Is there a QB in this years draft with the skill-set capable of penciling the Steelers in for 10-11 wins every year? Do you have to trade a guy who has been accused of sexual assault twice (but never convicted, taken to trial, or have the charges not be dropped)? My answer to all of these is no. Why trade a franchise QB in an era dominated by them? The guy has put himself in some tight spots off the field in his short time in the league. But, between the lines, he gives his team a chance to win each and every game. Were he ever convicted my opinion would be different. But as long as he maintains his innocence you can not talk me into trading a top 5 quarterback over moral issues.
