Why Ben Roethlisberger Could Become a Kansas City Chief

Recent rumors suggest the Pittsburgh Steelers may be entertaining offers for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  As aired on NFL Network, one potential scenario would be the Rams trading their first overall pick to the Steelers for Big Ben and who knows what else.

Obviously, the Steelers have not shown much tolerance for off-the-field issues with the recent departure of Santonio Holmes.  By no stretch of the imagination do I take lightly the recent troubles of big, and apparently rough, Ben Roethlisberger. 

But this is a two-time Super Bowl champion and true franchise quarterback we're talking about here.  Surely the Steelers could not replace this guy by taking an unproven and recently injured rookie, could they? 

I don't think so.

But what about taking an NFL-ready, two-season starting QB with a Pittsburgh-esque work ethic—Matt Cassel? 

Hey, I'm not saying, I'm just saying.

Let's take a closer look at the logistics of this.

For a starting point to dispute, let's say the Chiefs offer Matt Cassel, the No. 5 overall pick and their first pick of the second round (No. 36) for Big Ben and the Steelers first-round pick (No. 18).  I'm not saying I want the guy here, but let's just play along shall we?

For Pittsburgh, they receive a solid starting quarterback who would look much better throwing to Ward, Miller, Wallace, and Co. than the corps in KC.  Secondly, they could draft offensive line help at No. 5, and fill needs at defensive back or DL with pick No. 36.  

For the Chiefs, they would truly have a franchise QB to build around, not someone they hope is the answer. 

Of course, they would have to find a way to muddle through the likely suspension of Roethlisberger at the start of 2010.  This also means the Chiefs could draft an OT or LB at No. 18 (Charles Brown, Anthony Davis, Sergio Kindle, Jerry Hughes, or Brandon Graham). 

It hurts not to have that high second-round pick, but the Chiefs would pick at No. 50 and No. 52 and could land more help on the defensive side of the ball with a safety (Nate Allen or Chad Jones), LB (Koa Misi or Jason Worilds), or DT (Cam Thomas).  They could also look to land an extra weapon for Roethlisberger with Golden Tate, Arrelious Benn, Damian Williams, or TE Rob Gronkowski. 

What about the money, you say? 

Look it up—Roethlisberger's guaranteed money is off the books and his average salary of $10-12 million a year doesn't sound that ridiculous over a six-year term.  The Chiefs could avoid the high price tag of a top-five pick and hopefully use more money to lure quality free agents—a sell that might be a whole lot easier with a franchise quarterback at the helm.

Hey, don't get your feathers ruffled, it's just a thought...from left field.  Only six more days, thank goodness!