We’ve now heard from all the relevant players in response to the report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network regarding the possibility that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will ask the team to explore trade options after the current season.
First, Roethsliberger’s agent denied it. Second, Steelers president Art Rooney II disputed the notion that the team has explored a trade, even if no one reported that. Now, Roethlisberger has weighed in.
“It is one of the most BS stories that I’ve ever heard of,” Roethlisberger said after Sunday’s win over the Bills, via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I’ve always said that I want to be a Steeler for life. I love it here. I’m happy here. I don’t want to go anywhere. No one in my family, our camp, agents, no one has ever said anything about that. Wherever this was made up from is totally false.”
Though we have no information whatsoever about what is and isn’t true, the reactions are predictable. No one can say at this time that Roethlisberger possibly wants out — especially not Roethlisberger.
After the season, things could change. Roethlisberger is due to earn $12.1 million in 2014 and $11.6 million in 2015, at a time when some guys with no Super Bowl wins (or only one) are making much, much more. If/when the Steelers approach Roethlisberger about yet another effort to create cap space, Roethlisberger may say “pay me.”
With or without the prefatory expression from Goodfellas.