Steelers asking price for Roethlisberger has been “too steep”

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been actively shopping quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the past 48 hours but a trade remains unlikely as the draft is less than 12 hours away.

The Steelers have spoken to a number of teams but their asking price to this point has been deemed “too steep” by rival executives.

The Steelers have received zero interest from the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers, two teams they have spoken with in the past week.

The Steelers are believed to have also spoken with the Buffalo Bills but Bills ownership has balked at bringing Roethlisberger on-board, despite a recommendation from former head coach Bill Cowher.

Meanwhile, there has been zero discussions between the Steelers and Cleveland Browns, contrary to reports.

Assuming the price comes down, which some believe it will, three teams that have not closed the door on Roethlisberger are the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, and Oakland Raiders, according to a league source.

As we reported Wednesday morning, “Oakland is willing to package a deal centering around pro bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha but at this conjecture the Raiders are showing little interest in moving their 8th overall selection for the Steelers franchise quarterback.

The Steelers are believed to have little interest in taking on Asomugha’s salary.

Steve Corkran of the Oakland Tribune confirmed the Raiders reluctance to include the No. 8 pick, reporting this morning that the team contacted the Steelers about Roehtlisberger but the Raiders are unwilling to trade today’s No. 8 overall pick for Roethlisberger and that the Steelers aren’t interested in throwing in the No. 18 pick to sweeten the deal.

An official offer has yet to be made.

Talks with the Raiders have reached an impasse but both sides have not closed the door on a potential trade. A discussion or two is likely leading up to the draft today.

The Seahawks with the No. 6 and No. 14 selections, have been the wildcard of group. It is believed internally they have discussed Roethlisberger but have yet to engage in serious talks with the Steelers.

It’s a move they don’t appear willing to make at this point in time.

There is always a sleeper team in trade talks and the Chiefs are that team but they are believed to just be doing their due diligence.

The Raiders at this point appear to be the only legitimate suitor. How serious the Steelers are about trading Roethlisberger will be known later today on whether they come down from their asking price.