Aaron Rodgers Tanner McKee
Getty
Fansided's Austen Bundy argued the Pittsburgh Steelers should acquire quarterback Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles amid Aaron Rodgers uncertainty.
For the second consecutive NFL offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a decision. That’s a problem. But Pittsburgh’s issues behind center started well before the team’s obsession with the 4-time MVP signal-caller. The Steelers haven’t been able to replace Ben Roethlisberger in the NFL Draft or free agency with a long-term solution.
Even if Rodgers returns, Pittsburgh’s problems behind center will persist.
Fansided’s Austen Bundy, though, argued there’s a trade the Steelers could make to “quickly solve” their quarterback issue. Bundy suggested the Steelers acquire backup quarterback Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Why shouldn’t general manager Omar Khan take a swing at a bridge QB that at least offers some glimmer of upside, and could give next year’s rookie a bit of competition while offering the team an insurance policy if he’s not ready or gets injured?” Bundy wrote.
In the trade proposal, the Steelers sent the No. 76 overall pick in the third round to the Eagles for McKee.
NFL Trade Proposal Sends Steelers QB Tanner McKee
Tanner McKee
GettyCould Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee be a NFL trade target for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Bundy isn’t the first to suggest the Steelers as a trade suitor for McKee. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has proposed multiple Steelers pitches for McKee this offseason. In one of the hypothetical deals, the Steelers swapped edge rusher Nick Herbig for the Eagles signal-caller.
PhillyVoice’s Jimmy Kempski reported the Eagles shopped McKee on the trade market this offseason, asking for a second-round pick. As has been the case with other trade chips, such as receiver A.J. Brown, the Eagles set their asking price very high.
The team is unlikely to get a second-rounder for McKee. But the Steelers possess multiple third-rounders this year. So, Bundy proposed Pittsburgh land a new quarterback for a late Day 2 pick.
Bundy sees McKee as a far better option than Mason Rudolph or Will Howard.
“You can’t tell me the team would prefer to keep a 30-year-old Rudolph on the active roster while experimenting with Howard’s potential,” Bundy wrote. “Make the call and secure the bridge QB as you prepare for the arrival of a [Arch] Manning or [Dante] Moore in 2027.”
McKee has posted a 61.4% completion percentage with five touchdowns and one interception in six NFL appearances. He’s also averaged 6.8 yards per pass.
Will Aaron Rodgers Return for 2026 NFL Season?
Aaron Rodgers Tanner McKee
GettyFansided’s Austen Bundy argued the Pittsburgh Steelers should acquire quarterback Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles amid Aaron Rodgers uncertainty.
Steelers pundits didn’t react very positively to Barnwell proposing the team deal Herbig for McKee. It’s likely pundits won’t be thrilled about the possibility of the Steelers giving up Day 2 draft capital for McKee either.
That’s a high price to pay for a quarterback who may only have slightly more upside than Howard.
In a small sample, McKee has show the ability to be a quality backup. But the Steelers have a quality backup they already like in Rudolph, who has more experience than the Eagles QB2.
That’s not to say McKee couldn’t beat Rudolph and Howard in a quarterback competition. It’s just McKee probably doesn’t move the needle all that much for a proposed Day 2 pick.
The positive thing about McKee is he is a much younger than Rodgers. McKee will turn 26 years old in April.
But the Steelers appear unlikely to acquire McKee or any other quarterback before getting a decision from Rodgers. Steelers president Art Rooney II told reporters he expects the signal-caller to make his 2026 playing status clear before the draft starts on April 23.
That, however, is not at all guaranteed.
If anything, Steelers insiders have argued the team will target a quarterback on Day 2 or 3 of the draft. Otherwise, the team appears set to enter 2026 with Rodgers, Rudolph and Howard in the quarterback room.