Steelers Fans Frustrated by QB Situation, But Trade for Eagles' McKee Doesn't Make Sense

The Steelers are still searching for their next franchise quarterback, but acquiring backup Tanner McKee from the Eagles is not the answer.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of a long-term solution at quarterback, with the team's fanbase growing increasingly frustrated by the team's inability to find a reliable starter. While the Steelers have been connected to Philadelphia Eagles backup Tanner McKee in trade rumors, experts argue that acquiring the 25-year-old would not address the team's quarterback woes.

Why it matters

The Steelers have been in quarterback purgatory since the end of the 2021 season, cycling through stopgap options like Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. Fans are eager for the team to find its next franchise QB, but a trade for McKee, who has limited NFL experience, is unlikely to be the answer.

The details

McKee has played in just six NFL games, starting two, and while he has shown some potential, he is more of the same type of quarterback the Steelers have been trying unsuccessfully to make work. Acquiring him for a late-round draft pick may be worth a flier, but he is unlikely to be the long-term solution the team is seeking.

  • The Steelers have been connected to McKee in trade rumors since the offseason began.
  • McKee started two games for the Eagles in the final week of the 2025 regular season.

The players

Tanner McKee

A 25-year-old backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles who has limited NFL experience, starting two games in the final week of the 2025 season.

Mike Tomlin

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has expressed belief that the team can win with the right quarterback.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They are the team that I think should trade for Tanner McKee more than anyone. The most important position, you guys are just waving a white flag. And I think that's really annoying, when you could have had a clear break, a really clear rip from all of this.”

— Pat Tice, Sports Analyst

“Could he start a few games? Absolutely, he could. In his career, McKee has played in six NFL games and started two contests. Both of those starts came in the final regular-season game with the Eagles already in the postseason. In those two starts, he's 1-1 with 510 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception. But is he the next franchise guy? Let this quote from former head coach Mike Tomlin serve as the answer.”

— Jacob Slade, Steelers Writer

What’s next

The Steelers will continue their search for a long-term quarterback solution, likely through the 2027 NFL Draft or another trade opportunity that presents a clearer path to a franchise QB.

The takeaway

While Steelers fans are understandably frustrated with the team's inability to find a reliable starting quarterback, acquiring Tanner McKee from the Eagles is not the answer. The Steelers need to find a true franchise QB to lead the team into the future, and McKee does not appear to be that player based on his limited NFL experience.