Steelers Explore Blockbuster Trades to Reshape 2026 Offseason

Pittsburgh considers bold moves to address QB, pass rush, and offensive line needs

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a pivotal offseason as they transition to a new coaching regime under Mike McCarthy. With financial flexibility and a roster in flux, the team is exploring potential blockbuster trades that could reshape the 2026 offseason. Key targets include acquiring Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby, and Los Angeles Chargers OT Rashawn Slater to address pressing needs at quarterback, pass rush, and offensive line.

Why it matters

The Steelers are at a crossroads, with an aging roster and uncertainty at quarterback following the retirement of Aaron Rodgers. Aggressive moves in the offseason could help the team open a new championship window, but the cost of such trades will be high. How Pittsburgh navigates this critical offseason will define the franchise's direction for years to come.

The details

The Steelers project to have around $44.8 million in cap space, giving them financial flexibility to pursue major trades. Acquiring Kyler Murray from the Cardinals would provide insurance at quarterback if Rodgers retires, while pairing the dynamic playmaker with WR DK Metcalf. Trading for Maxx Crosby of the Raiders would create a fearsome pass-rushing duo with T.J. Watt, transforming the Steelers' defense. Securing Rashawn Slater from the Chargers would solidify the offensive line and protect whomever is under center.

  • The Steelers' 2025 season ended with a 10-7 record and an AFC North division title, but a disappointing 30-6 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans.
  • Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach after 19 seasons, ushering in the Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh.
  • The Steelers project to have approximately $44.8 million in cap space for the 2026 offseason, giving them financial flexibility to pursue major trades.

The players

Kyler Murray

The dual-threat quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals, Murray would provide dynamic playmaking ability and insurance at the position if the Steelers' veteran QB Aaron Rodgers retires.

Maxx Crosby

The dominant pass rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders, Crosby would pair with Steelers star T.J. Watt to create a fearsome defensive front capable of overwhelming opposing offenses.

Rashawn Slater

The All-Pro left tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers, Slater would solidify the Steelers' offensive line and provide elite pass protection for whomever is under center.

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What they’re saying

“Acquiring Kyler Murray would inject schematic dynamism into our offense and create immediate matchup stress for opposing defenses.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

“Pairing Maxx Crosby with T.J. Watt would reshape divisional dynamics and force quarterbacks like Burrow and Jackson to operate under constant pressure.”

— Omar Khan, General Manager, Pittsburgh Steelers (ESPN)

“Securing Rashawn Slater would allow our offensive line to stabilize structurally and free the offense to operate without constant edge pressure concerns.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

What’s next

The Steelers will need to determine the trade costs and feasibility of acquiring Kyler Murray, Maxx Crosby, and Rashawn Slater, while also navigating the potential retirement of Aaron Rodgers and the transition to a new coaching staff under Mike McCarthy.

The takeaway

The Steelers' 2026 offseason represents a pivotal moment for the franchise, as they must balance the urgency to win now with the need for long-term roster stability. Aggressive trades for impact players like Murray, Crosby, and Slater could help Pittsburgh open a new championship window, but the cost will be high. How the team navigates this critical offseason will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.