The Pittsburgh Steelers could look at the trade market to acquire their next quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers is a pending free agent, and it’s uncertain if he will retire or play again. Regardless, the Steelers will likely look to add another quarterback, whether that comes through trade, free agency, or the draft.

Yet, ESPN NFL analyst Bill Barnwell predicted the Steelers would acquire Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee for a 2026 third-round pick and a conditional 2027 third-round pick.

“McKee has drawn attention around the league for his work as Jalen Hurts’ backup in Philadelphia,” Barnwell wrote in an article published on Monday. “McKee was excellent in the 2025 preseason, going 20-of-25 for 252 yards and two scores. In mop-up duty and two Week 18 starts playing with Philly’s backups over the past two years, he has posted a 45.3 Total QBR, putting McKee just ahead of Rodgers’ 44.5.

“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. 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.”

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McKee’s name has come up in trade rumors, and Barnwell believes the Steelers make sense. Yet, the analyst does admit there is a lot of unknown around him, which is why the other pick only conveys if McKee starts a certain number of games.

Philadelphia selected McKee in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he won Super Bowl LIX with them. McKee is 54-of-88 for 597 yards, five touchdowns, and an interception in his NFL career.

Whether or not the Steelers will look to acquire McKee is uncertain. But, Pittsburgh is no doubt in the quarterback market this offseason.

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