Ben Roethlisberger trade rumors seem to be completely debunked
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
It was reported last week by ultra-reliable insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network that Pittsburgh Steelers star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is unhappy with the team (and not just at incompetent offensive coordinator Todd Haley). Not only that, but Rapoport added that the Steelers would listen to Roethlisberger’s demands and listen to potential trade offers in the offseason. The Arizona Cardinals were immediately thrown around as a potential suitor because of the Bruce Arians connection. Arians, the current Cardinals head coach, was Roethlisberger’s offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh and uses an offensive scheme that fits Big Ben perfectly.
Those trade rumors were initially disputed by Roethlisberger, who vehemently debunked them and added that he is a “Pittsburgher”. Roethlisberger also called the report “B.S.”, which really kicked things up a notch. A new layer to the Roethlisberger story was added earlier this week when the NFL Network’s Mike Silver reported that some of Roethlisberger’s teammates believe that he needs to increase the amount of time he spends in the film room.
It’s all very interesting, but it seems like the trade rumors part of it is false. CBS Sports’s Jason La Canfora reports that “high-ranking sources” in the Steelers organization tell him the rumors regarding Ben Roethlisberger have “zero truth” to them. The sources also vehemently disputed Rapoport’s report last week, and other sources told La Canfora that Roethlisberger and his agents have never even discussed him potentially leaving Pittsburgh. In fact, all Roethlisberger wants to do is try to remain in Pittsburgh for his entire career.
Give La Canfora’s report above a click, because it’s filled with information regarding the rumors. The strength of this report combined with Big Ben’s strong statements (we know he is going to dispute all rumors, but it was the strength of his statement that makes it noteworthy) make it seem like the rumors are completely debunked. It seems like Roethlisberger wants to spend his career with the Steelers. Maybe he is unhappy about some things, but it doesn’t appear as if Roethlisberger wants to leave. Plus, the Steelers would never want to trade their franchise QB, since top ten quarterbacks don’t grow on trees.