Silver and Black Report

So all of the sudden, there may be another veteran quarterback on the block that the Oakland Raiders could be linked to.

The prospect now: Ben Roethlisberger.

‘Big Ben’ is a franchise passer. And he has proven to be the Pittsburgh Steelers top guy during his career, adding an AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2004 to his resume, becoming the youngest starting passer in NFL history to win a Super Bowl, being a Pro Bowl performer and tallying a second championship under his tenure to the illustrious history of the Steelers in 2009.

But team president Art Rooney II cares immensely about the image portrayed by his players. And Roethlisberger has become a poster boy of unruly behavior and questionable judgment in various off-the field distractions.

“He’s going to have to work very hard to rehabilitate his image,” Rooney said. “There’s no question that it’s taken a hit and we’ve told him it’s going to be a long journey back and he’s going to have to be up to meeting the challenge.”

The NFL could suspend the quarterback and the subject of counseling and/or rehabilitation may be in the works after his latest incident in which a college student accused him of sexual assault.

The Steelers won’t act first in punishing him, as they await a decision from the league.

“There were a lot of pieces to the puzzle that probably prevent us from moving ahead on our own at this point,” Rooney said.

But you can question whether or not they are fed up with Roethlisberger after standing by his side throughout the motorcycle accident in 2006, sexual assault allegations in Nevada and the latest indiscretion in Georgia.

Could the Steelers field offers and finally part ways with their troubled passer?

Sure – they already jettisoned Santonio Holmes and considering that image means a lot to the Rooney’s and that they’ve milked a great deal of success out of ‘Big Ben’ so far, it may be time for a new scene for the quarterback and the organization.

But are the Raiders a fit?

He’s without a doubt better than any of the options the Raiders have currently on their roster. Roethlisberger is an instant upgrade. But is the baggage enough of a deterrent?

No!

On the field, he’s had success. Something the Raiders need. He’s enough of a presence and vocal enough to captain a group that needs a player of his stature and of his accomplishments to lead them.

And for anyone that says; well, with this offensive line and scheme, how would Roethlisberger succeed?

Well, with this with this offensive line and scheme, how would JaMarcus Russell or Bruce Gradkowski succeed?

Neither is as good as the Steelers passer. Neither has proven that they can lead a club over the course one season – Roethlisberger has rings.

Regardless of what dysfunction Oakland may have in the front-office, along the trenches or on their coaching staff, if Roethlisberger is up for grabs, the Raiders should be making inquiries and gauging what it would take to take a chance on a talented quarterback.