Ben Roethlisberger On The Trade Circuit? Cleveland Browns Should Say No

ESPN's Adam Schefter was quick to report after Ben Roethlisberger was suspended that the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in trading him for a Top 10 draft pick.

The Cleveland Browns obviously fall under the parameters of being in the Top 10 and needing a quarterback, so of course they're on the list.

Any further inclusion of the Browns in that discussion should stop there, and here's why: There is NO place for Ben Roethlisberger on the Cleveland Browns roster.

First of all, Roethlisberger is gone for at least four games, if the reports are true that his six-game suspension could be reduced to four games for completing the behavioral evaluation successfully and not getting into any more trouble.

Even if he ends up serving all six games, Roethlisberger still would have to learn a new offense, get his timing with the new wide receivers and get a working relationship with his new coach and front office.

This is assuming Eric Mangini, a guy who puts character at the top of his job description, would even want to work with Roethlisberger.

Based on the kinds of guys Mangini has jettisoned from the Browns and Jets in the past few years, Roethlisberger is the exact opposite of the kind of character player Mangini wants on his team.

To reinforce that, Team President Mike Holmgren said he would never force a player on his coach.

Then there's Roethlisberger's concussions. Once again, assuming Roethlisberger comes into the season 100 percent healthy, he's already had several concussions and one more knee to the head or piledrive into the ground could spell the end of Roethlisberger's career.

Lastly, while ownership should pay attention to fans without letting them dictate actions, Cleveland fans by and large hate the guy.

It isn't just a professional dislike for playing for a rival team, it's outright disgust and hatred for a guy who has a reputation off the field for being a world class jerk.

The Browns need a new quarterback, there is no question about that, but Roethlisberger is not the answer and the Browns would be wise to politely decline any offer of a trade.