The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through a transformation as Mike McCarthy was named the new head coach at the start of the 2026 offseason. Things are starting to become more clear as the head coach puts together his coaching staff, but there are still plenty of questions to be answered when it comes to the roster. The organization is in a tough spot when it comes to the quarterback position, which has been the case for the last several seasons. The future of Aaron Rodgers is up in the air, which should leave the franchise exploring all possible options.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers could decide to retire, or he could choose to continue his playing career, but it does not have to be in Pittsburgh. He is scheduled to be a free agent, which opens up the door for him to join another team. For the 2026 season, the Steelers only currently have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard under contract, and the team is expected to add at least one more quarterback either through the NFL Draft, free agency, or a trade. Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports brought up an interesting trade candidate for Pittsburgh: Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints.
"Another guy that I think is an interesting name, this is more low-key, is Spencer Rattler," Tice said. "I think someone might take a stab at him. People got to throw darts. That's really what I think is gonna be so interesting about all these candidates this offseason. Someone might throw a fourth-rounder for Rattler, and just go like, 'Hey, see if this guy can start for us. Or see if this guy can do it?' Like, the Steelers, or something."
Rattler was drafted by the Saints in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was thrust into the starting role once Derek Carr went down with an injury early in the season, and he was the team's starter entering the 2025 season after beating out rookie Tyler Shough in a position battle during training camp.
© Stephen Lew / Imagn Images
Saints' Spencer Rattler warming up before a home game against the Carolina Panthers during the 2025 season.
Rattler has started 14 games for the Saints over his two seasons in the league, but he was eventually benched in favor of Shough, who is a strong candidate for the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. Shough solidified himself as the starter moving forward for the Saints, which makes Rattler expendable. A fourth-round pick, like Tice proposed, might be a little rich in a trade for the quarterback. However, a later Day 3 pick might be worth exchanging for the young signal-caller.
The former fifth-round pick has won just one of his 14 starts, which isn't very inspiring, although it is important to note the team surrounding him was not very strong. He was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, and he committed to Oklahoma. He was eventually benched in favor of Caleb Williams, and he finished his college career at South Carolina.
Matthew Hinton / Imagn Images
Saints' Spencer Rattler throws a pass during a home game during the 2025 season.
Steelers Cannot Rely On Acquiring Spencer Rattler To Be The Starter
Bringing in Rattler wouldn't be a horrific move, as long as he is just brought in for competition. Many fans want to see the franchise give Howard a shot, and he would need some competition during camp as the coaching staff can't just hand the starting job to a former sixth-round pick. Rattler could provide that competition, along with Rudolph. Pittsburgh already knows what Rudolph can do, and the organization should strive to go in a younger direction at the position. Rattler is intriguing due to his experience as a starter, but he shouldn't be expected to start meaningful games for the team if he were to be acquired.
What do you think about Rattler potentially coming to Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation