C.J. Stroud
Getty
This Steelers trade pitch would see them acquire C.J. Stroud in a blockbuster deal with the Texans
For the second straight offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck playing the waiting game with Aaron Rodgers. As the legendary quarterback continues to mull his NFL future, the Steelers are left without a clear-cut answer at the most important position in the game of football. And with the 2026 NFL Draft drawing near, it’s clear Pittsburgh is going to need to figure things out soon.
Even if Rodgers does return for one more year, the Steelers are going to have to find their next quarterback of the future sooner rather than later. So why not accomplish that goal this offseason? Let’s take a look at a bold trade pitch that would see Pittsburgh acquire its franchise quarterback, C.J. Stroud, from the Houston Texans in exchange for a mind-blowing return.
Steelers’ C.J. Stroud Trade Pitch
Steelers receive: QB C.J. Stroud
Texans receive: 2026 first-round pick (No. 21), 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick
Talk about a big investment, but hey, that’s what teams need to do if they want to secure the quarterback position. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud turned in a stellar rookie season for the Texans (319/499, 4,108 YDS, 23 TD, 5 INT), but ever since then, his play has fallen off a cliff, and he finished off the 2025 campaign by throwing four interceptions in his team’s divisional round loss to the New England Patriots.
Stroud’s career is in an odd spot in the wake of that game. He’s due for a contract extension at some point in the near future, and while the Texans have remained committed to him, so far this offseason, there’s been virtually no chatter on a new deal. If the right trade offer came through, Houston would almost certainly consider parting ways with Stroud.
Three first-round picks would almost certainly get the job done, even though the Texans just used the No. 2 selection in 2023 to select Stroud. Pittsburgh would have to be sold on his upside and his ability to pick up the team’s offense quickly in order to part with such a large package. But with no long-term answer at quarterback, and Rodgers’ future uncertain, this may be the best avenue for the Steelers in their quest to make a Super Bowl run as soon as possible.
Would the Steelers, Texans Be Interested in This C.J. Stroud Trade?
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
We can address the elephant in the room right off the bat: Yes, the Texans would be interested in this trade. Sure, they made a big investment in Stroud just a couple of years ago, but they haven’t signed him to a new contract, and three first-round picks would give the team an opportunity to properly replace him over the next few years. Heck, Davis Mills looked better than Stroud at times when filling in for him last season.
Would the Steelers be interested in parting ways with so much draft capital for Stroud? Probably not. The team wants Rodgers to return, but even if he doesn’t, it’s been linked to guys like Kirk Cousins, who may provide the same sort of short-term output as Stroud. Sure, his potential is high, but giving up three first-round picks for Stroud when he threw four interceptions the last time he was on the field simply isn’t good business for Pittsburgh right now.