Steelers Receive Revealing Update From Insider On Quarterback That Might End Up In Pittsburgh Very Soon

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in an entirely new scenario after Mike Tomlin elected to walk away following 19 seasons in Pittsburgh, a tenure that included stability, consistency, and, more recently, a playoff drought that has lingered since the 2016 season. New head coach, Mike McCarthy was never going to have it easy stepping into that reality, especially under the scrutiny of Steeler Nation. Still, McCarthy has quickly worked to establish credibility, assembling a coaching staff that looks respectable on paper and signals a more modern, offense-forward approach than what fans had grown accustomed to late in the Tomlin era.

The biggest unanswered question, however, remains at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers spent the 2025 season in Pittsburgh but made it clear all along that his stay was likely a one-year commitment, even as rumors of a potential return continue to circulate. Behind him, the Steelers have second-year quarterback Will Howard, who remains largely unproven, and veteran Mason Rudolph, a familiar but limited option. McCarthy has publicly expressed excitement about the quarterback room, stressing that he likes the group pending how it all ends up, a phrase that leaves the door open for additional movement before the season arrives.

That movement could come via the trade market. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones has quietly emerged as a name to watch, and NFL insider Tom Pelissero provided Steelers fans with meaningful context ahead of Super Bowl LX on Sunday. 

Pelissero revealed that multiple teams are expected to inquire about Jones this offseason, noting both his solid play when filling in for Brock Purdy and the belief around the league that Jones still views himself as a starting quarterback. 

"From my understanding, there are multiple teams that at least are going to inquire and see if they can trade for Mac Jones in this offseason," Pelissero said while speaking ahead of Super Bowl LX. "He arrived on a two-year, $7 million deal last year to back up Brock Purdy, but when Purdy got hurt, Mac got to play and he played pretty well. He got five wins in eight starts, despite dealing with a painful knee injury."

With San Francisco holding leverage and the possibility of a contractual adjustment looming, the situation is one the Steelers are clearly expected to be monitoring closely as McCarthy and the front office continue to shape Pittsburgh’s post-Tomlin future.

Jones believes he is still a starting quarterback in this league. Obviously, if he remains with the 49ers, that opportunity won’t exist with Purdy firmly entrenched as the starter. However, Pelissero subtly hinted at what Jones’ mindset may be, something NFL fans have already begun reading between the lines.

"He [Jones] joined us on The Insiders and said he is feeling good physically at this point," Pelissero said. "He didn’t directly answer if he would like a fresh start somewhere else, but he did say it is nice to be talked about if the 49ers do not trade him. The price would be high. Maybe a contractual adjustment could be in order."

Steelers' Mike McCarthy Is Known As Somewhat Of A QB Guru

Jones would represent a long-shot, buy-low option for Pittsburgh. He has navigated several injuries throughout his career and has been inconsistent, but he has also flashed potential at times. 

McCarthy has long been regarded as something of a quarterback guru, and Jones notably looked more comfortable and effective while playing under Kyle Shanahan. Under the Steelers’ new regime, it’s fair to wonder whether a similar environment in Pittsburgh could help Jones rediscover that form in the Steel City.

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