Steelers Miss Out On Exciting Trade Target As Options Continue To Run Out

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the few teams across the NFL who are still trying to figure out their starting quarterback situation for the 2025 season. It seems like a near sure-thing that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is eventually going to sign with the organization, but there are continuous conflicting reports coming out about the four-time MVP wanting to play elsewhere or retire. Pittsburgh is optimistic about Rodgers eventually signing in the Steel City, and that seems like a safe bet after he was seen throwing with DK Metcalf recently. However, the organization still needs to be exploring other options.

Pittsburgh has really hurt themselves at the quarterback position by missing out on Justin Fields, Sam Darnold, and even Matthew Stafford when the Los Angeles Rams were still considering trading him. The 2025 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away and the current starting quarterback on the roster is Mason Rudolph. While the franchise awaits a decision from Rodgers, there were other quarterbacks around the league that could have been considered available. This includes former New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III, who was just traded to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday.

By no means is Milton considered a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL, but he showed some flashes in limited playing time at the end of the 2024 season. His athleticism is limitless and he has one of the strongest arms in the NFL. This makes him an intriguing option at quarterback as he enters the second season of his professional career.

Milton has always been a fun athlete, but he struggled with accuracy at times during his collegiate career. This forced him to be a sixth-round draft pick in 2024, although his raw skills alone could have helped him go a lot higher. Dallas gave up a fifth-round pick in exchange for Milton and a seventh round selection -- which is something Pittsburgh could have offered had the organization wanted to. 

The second-year quarterback would certainly be a project for Pittsburgh had the franchise acquired him. Instead, he is heading to Dallas, where he will backup Dak Prescott, who has missed 27 games throughout his career due to injuries. Aside from Rodgers, Milton was the only other truly exciting option at quarterback out on the market. He would likely not have been some Pro Bowl-caliber player, and probably wouldn't have started in his first season for Pittsburgh, be he could have had the potential to be a franchise-player down the line.

It was obvious after the Patriots signed former Pittsburgh quarterback Josh Dobbs that Milton was going to be shopped around, and the new regime in New England has made another good move to gain extra draft capital.

Steelers Had Interest In Joe Milton III

There is a good chance that Milton is going to be able to get onto the field for the Cowboys due to Prescott's extensive injury history. He is also the type of quarterback that can be given specific packages throughout the season due to his athleticism and big arm. Dallas was not the only team interested in Milton's services, as Pittsburgh did inquire about the quarterback.

Pittsburgh was in communication with New England about a potential trade, but they lost out. It is unclear which teams offered more than the Cowboys, but if the Steelers did, it means they were very intrigued by the young quarterback. If he gets an opportunity, there is a chance that he will be difficult to take off of the field if he plays well. He has had one game with a decent amount of playing time so far in his career He took the opportunity and ran with it as he threw for 241 yards and a touchdown while also running in a score on the ground.

What do you think about the Cowboys trading for Milton? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation