The Pittsburgh Steelers have quarterback questions for another offseason. Even though Aaron Rodgers had a solid 2025 season, he was signed for only one year, with his advanced age limiting any long-term deal possibilities for the Steelers.
They must search for answers. One potential option could come from within the same state.
ESPN Suggests Tanner McKee Could Land With the Pittsburgh Steelers via Trade
An article written by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell on Monday highlights trade ideas for the upcoming offseason. One of the proposed moves would give Pittsburgh a new quarterback while retaining Aaron Rodgers for a second season.
Barnwell proposed an intra-state deal between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Steelers would send two third-round picks to the Eagles, who, in turn, would send their well-regarded backup quarterback.
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“The 6-foot-6 McKee might impress if given more of an opportunity to start, although he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal,” Barnwell wrote. “The Steelers might consider bringing back Rodgers, trading for McKee, and then signing the inexperienced 25-year-old to a short-term extension. For a team that is never in position to draft a quarterback in the top 10, taking a shot on someone like McKee is an alternative the Steelers need to consider.
“In reality, though, McKee is more of a mystery box than a proven player. There are no guarantees that he would land a significant deal in free agency or that the Eagles would avoid canceling out that compensatory pick with their own signings.”
McKee was a sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft. His preseason performances established him as the No. 2 quarterback for the Eagles in 2025. He also had a strong game against the New York Giants in Week 18 of the 2024 season, when the Eagles rested their starters before the playoffs.
He also started for the Eagles in Week 18 of the 2025 season, as they again rested starters before their playoff campaign. This time, the outcome was not as favorable: McKee had an inconsistent performance in a loss to the Washington Commanders, and the Eagles were eliminated in the wild-card round.
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There is significant faith in McKee within the Eagles organization. They have repeatedly praised him when he has taken the field, especially after the 2024 regular-season finale win. However, the long-term plan remains clear: Jalen Hurts is the franchise quarterback, and McKee playing well could increase his trade value.
The Steelers have only Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the roster for 2026. Rudolph is primarily a backup, while Howard is considered a long-term project. Pittsburgh views him as a developmental quarterback after selecting him in the sixth round of the 2025 draft.
McKee has completed 54 of 88 passes in his career for 597 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception. A year of learning behind Rodgers before taking over could significantly benefit his career.
