Buyer Beware

On the day of the NFL Draft, multiple reports have surfaced stating that the Pittsburgh Steelers are shopping their Super Bowl winning, franchise quarterback in exchange for a top 10 draft pick.


Doesn't this storyline sound oddly familiar?







When the Chicago Bears acquired Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos, they traded two first-round drafts and Kyle Orton. And in return, they received 26 interceptions. And no, they will have no chance to pick in the first round this evening.


While Cutler and Big Ben have reached different points in their career, their playing style is remotely similar. They have a propensity to run around and try to sling the ball to their receivers. They can make plays with their arms or legs. But Ben, has won two Super Bowls in the past five seasons -- Cutler has yet to lead his team to the playoffs.


So why trade Ben? The quarterback now faces a six-game suspension, and is at risk for a harsher punishment if he becomes a third-time offender, poses a risk to the integrity of the Steelers organization.But is he worth risking victories?


To the Rams or Bills or Browns, there is no reason why they should not be willing to trade their first-round pick to attain Ben. While he'll be sitting out the first six games, it is not as if either one of those times is a playoff-bound team that will need those wins.


And is Ben worth the pick? Let's look at the playoff teams last year: Colts, Jets, Chargers, Bengals, Patriots, Ravens / Saints, Cowboys, Eagles, Vikings, Cardinals and Packers. Common denominator: franchise quarterbacks. In the top ten pick, most are linemen. I don't see any left tackles leading the Saints to their Super Bowl title.


And while questions surround Ben's behavior off-the-field, there are just as many questions about the potential draft picks. Sam Bradford -- will his college success translate? Jimmy Clausen -- will his mechanics hurt him? Colt McCoy -- is he an NFL talent? Tim Tebow -- will he even be a quarterback next year?





Other quarterback options: Marc Bulger -- because he has a lot left in the tank. Michael Vick -- keep your doggies away. Trade for Jason Campbell -- has proved nothing in the NFL.


Well, there's also Daunte Culpepper, Patrick Ramsey, Mark Brunell, JP Losman, Josh McCown. Oh, and Brian St. Pierre?


For the Steelers, they could be geniuses or morons. For their trade partners -- the same fate. Either way, buyer / seller beware.