Steelers' Odds To Make A Splash On The Trade Market Take A Clear Hit

The Pittsburgh Steelers still do not have a clear answer at the quarterback position as the franchise is in a similar spot to where it was during the 2025 offseason. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still considering whether or not he wants to continue his playing career, but the obvious landing spot for him is in Pittsburgh if he wants to continue playing. Rodgers' indecision is going to force the Steelers to consider all options when it comes to the most important position in football, including Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, who are the only two quarterbacks under contract for the 2026 season.

The Steelers did not seem to be too interested in the free agent market at quarterback, which was headlined by Malik Willis. Kyler Murray was also an intriguing name that became available, but the Steelers reportedly showed no interest in signing the quarterback to the veteran minimum, which came as a shock to some fans. The organization has been doing its homework on some quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the trade market is another avenue that can be explored by Pittsburgh.

Arguably the top name to consider on the trade market at quarterback is Tanner McKee, who is currently the backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia beat writer Zach Berman of The Athletic recently reported on the likelihood that McKee could be dealt, and it doesn't seem like it is a market the Steelers will want to get involved in.

"After acquiring Andy Dalton, do the Eagles ship Tanner McKee for draft capital?" Berman asked. "They have been reluctant to move him in the past, but they have more flexibility now. I’d pay attention to the 2027 draft capital."

General Manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles recently completed a trade with the Carolina Panthers to acquire veteran backup quarterback Andy Dalton, which might make McKee somewhat expendable. The new flexibility makes it more likely that McKee will be traded during the 2026 offseason, but Philadelphia wanting draft capital in 2027 might be an issue for Pittsburgh.

McKee was drafted by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has played in just six games throughout his career and thrown just 88 passes, but he has shown a ton of potential as a backup in Philadelphia. McKee has also looked good during the preseason, and he has proven himself to at least be considered as a promising backup in the league. The Steelers would be an interesting destination as the franchise needs a quarterback right now, and McKee could also turn into a long-term solution at the position.

As of now, nothing has been reported about the Steelers showing any interest in McKee. However, it is easy to connect the dots. He might be more expendable now, and the Steelers should be a team that would call. The Eagles wanting picks in 2027 could present an issue though, as the Steelers should be eyeing that draft to land a quarterback. Picks in the event are going to be valuable to Pittsburgh as the franchise should be looking to move up. The Steelers also have 12 selections in 2026, and moving on from those picks would be preferred.

Steelers Will Look For Future At Quarterback In The 2027 NFL Draft

Pittsburgh potentially acquiring McKee via trade will be a moot point if/when Rodgers makes a decision to return to Pittsburgh. Trading for the quarterback would also be risky. He has shown some potential, but has barely played, and he didn't light the world on fire during his lone start in 2025. Moving on from 2027 selections would probably not be worth it, just because of the talent that is expected to be at the position in that draft class.

What do you think about the Steelers potentially making a move for McKee? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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