Derek Carr: 5 Possible destinations ahead of NFL Trade Deadline

Pittsburgh Steelers

Like we said in the last slide, everyone needs a succession plan. Ben Roethlisberger has hinted at retirement is recent years, and he has taken a pounding because of his mobility over his entire career.

By the time the 2019 season begins, Roethlisberger will be 37 years old. He’s still playing well, but there will come a time to let him go and move on to the future. According to Spotrac, the Steelers have over $30 million in cap space this season. So trading a draft pick for Carr is feasible.

Roethlisberger also only has one year left on his current contract (2019). Trading for Carr this year, and using him as a viable backup, and then cutting Big Ben next year would save the Steelers $17 million in 2019.

As we watch the Giants struggle with a quarterback who’s near the end, the Steelers need to weigh the risk-reward of keeping Big Ben long-term. He’s the present of the team, but how much more does he have left in the tank? The draft class doesn’t look promising.

Therefore, going the NFL veteran route may be their best option. Since the Raiders are having a fire-sale, and it appears they may not believe Carr is their future, they should open up the phone lines and see what the Raiders want for Carr.