Remember those reports about Ben Roethlisberger wanting to be traded? Apart from denying flatly and persistently the notion that they would trade their franchise quarterback, there’s a theory percolating in the Steelers organization that the rumors can be traced to an agent who would like to represent Roethlisberger for his next contract with the team.
Per a league source, some in the Steelers organization believe that the chatter about Roethlisberger wanting to be traded was intended to ultimately shine a light on his contract status -- and to get Roethlisberger thinking about the fact that his current deal doesn’t compare well to the guys at the top of the market, and that his next deal should.
Roethlisberger is due to make $12.1 million in 2014 and $11.6 million in 2015. Currently, several guys average $20 million per year or more.
It’s widely believed that the Steelers will attempt after the 2013 season to extend Roethlisberger’s contract.
Far-fetched as it sounds on the surface, the agent industry can be dirty and nasty and filled with guys who want to steal clients from other agents. With franchise quarterbacks still getting huge contracts at a time when rookie deals have been capped significantly and veterans at most other positions not cashing in like they used to, the stakes are higher than ever when it comes to the representation of the small handful of men who are in position to make huge money.
There’s no indication that Roethlisberger plans to make an agent change. Regardless, some in Pittsburgh believe that recent reports were aimed at ultimately making him want to.