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Trading Roethlisberger makes football sense

The Pittsburgh Steelers should trade quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to send a message.

The Steelers should trade Roethlisberger to protect their image, or their brand.

The Steelers should trade Roethlisberger because he hasn't grown up.

I've heard plenty of reasons why Roethlisberger should be sent packing, and I agree with most of them.

But here's one reason that I haven't heard much: Trading Roethlisberger makes sense from a football standpoint.

Yes. I think it would be a smart football decision to cut ties with a quarterback that has two Super Bowl rings.

There are a lot of numbers that you can discuss when it comes to Roethlisberger. You can talk touchdown passes, interceptions, wins, comebacks and more.

But there's one thing worries me about Roethlisberger: The number of concussions he has suffered.

He has had at least three concussions. Chances are he has had more than that.

How many more hits will it take to his head that will force him to retire? Steve Young had one too many hits to the head and cut his career short. Ditto Troy Aikman.

Maybe the hits to Roethlisberger's skull kept him from growing up. Could the next hit force him out of football?

Think about it. It's not like Roethlisberger has a great offensive line to protect him. And it's not like Roethlisberger has a quick release and rarely gets hit. In fact, it's the opposite. He holds the football too long, giving his receivers a chance to make a play, but also giving opponents a chance for a big hit.

Just one hit is all it would take.

The Steelers should trade him before that happens and their $100 million quarterback can't take the field.
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