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Ben Roethlisberger trade rumor: Cap hit would be significant in the event franchise QB is traded

It doesn't seem likely the results of Ben Roethlisberger's alleged trade request would materalize into an actual deal, the cap hit the Steelers would have to take due to multiple contract restructures make it seem even less likely.

By Neal Coolong
Justin K. Aller

The main issue behind any alleged trade of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is the size of the salary cap hit the Steelers would take in making such a deal.

According to Over The Cap, the multiple restructures given to Roethlisberger over the years would result in a $14 million hit against the cap, if he was to be traded.

While that figure would actually be lower than what he's currently on pace to count as for 2014, it doesn't take replacement cost into account. Assuming the Steelers would not be ok with giving the keys to Bruce Gradkowski next year, they'd take a good chunk of that back with the signing of any capable starter or drafting of a rookie phenom - which presumably would be the goal of the team in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

There's something to be said about biting the bullet for a season with the bigger picture goal of getting out of the cap situation they currently have while being able to replenish a roster depleted of talent for multiple reasons, a move like this would rob the team of its best player, not to mention create new precedent in terms of how this conservative franchise does business, all for a cap savings that wouldn't be experienced for a while.

How much could they really build in the short term? Perhaps not enough to make a big enough gain in the long term.

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