Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Trade Rumors: Rams a Possibility?

The Ben Roethlisberger saga continues: rumors have swirled that the Steelers are willing to part with their QB, for a price. NFL.com's Jason La Canfora reports that though the Steelers have yet to discuss a trade with other teams, the manner has been debated internally. 

Though the star quaterback was not charged with a crime, the accusations of sexual misconduct have not been recanted, tarnishing his image.

The Steelers pride themselves in being a blue-collar franchise with a reputation for toughness without any tolerance for nonsense, and are very upset with Roethlisberger. 

This rumor is not without precedent: the Steelers underscored their reputation by dealing star wideout Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets for a measly 5th round pick after the Super Bowl MVP was suspended by the league due to violations of substance abuse policy.

So who's a possible suitor? Rumors have floated that the Buffalo Bills may be interested, but an even stronger possibility is the St. Louis Rams. The Rams hold the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft and reportedly the Steelers are keen on drafting Sam Bradford to play QB, a guy they consider to be a "sure thing" as a franchise quaterback.

The rumor is that the Rams may offer their #1 pick as well as their 2011 first round pick, and perhaps even more, in exchange for Roethlisberger.

So will this trade happen? Unlikely, but it is intriguing. The Rams are desperate for a credible playmaker on offense other than Steven Jackson, and Roethlisberger could instantly add legitimacy to the offense. On the other hand, the Rams have far too many holes and may be wary of trading their future for a 28 year old QB in the middle of a controversy.