Some analysts propose a short-term fix via a trade for Philadelphia Eagles backup Tanner McKee, suggesting he could provide upside, competition for a rookie next year, and insurance if a young quarterback isn’t ready. The proposed deal centers on sending the Steelers’ No. 76 overall pick in the third round to the Eagles in exchange for McKee.
McKee has drawn attention from multiple pundits as a bridge quarterback option, with discussions contrasting him against Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. While he has shown potential as a young, mobile backup in limited NFL action, questions remain about whether he would significantly move the needle for Pittsburgh.
Several trade discussions have circulated this offseason, including some that would involve other draft capital or different players, but the general consensus is that a second-round price for McKee is unlikely. Pittsburgh’s current capital, including multiple Day 2 picks, could make a late-Day 2 bid more palatable if the team views McKee as a meaningful upgrade over its current depth chart.
For now, Pittsburgh appears poised to wait on Rodgers, with Steelers president Art Rooney II signaling that Rodgers’ 2026 status should become clear before the draft. If Rodgers remains uncertain, the organization could still lean on quarterback depth like Rudolph and Howard while potentially targeted Day 2 or Day 3 options in the 2026 NFL draft.
Overall, the debate centers on whether a mid-round trade for a younger, unproven quarterback like McKee is worth the cost while Rodgers’ status remains unresolved, or if the Steelers should instead prioritize developing internal options and drafting a quarterback later in the process.
