Steelers Propose Trade for Eagles QB to Replace Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh considers acquiring Tanner McKee to address quarterback uncertainty.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly considering trading two third-round picks to the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire backup quarterback Tanner McKee. This move would provide the Steelers with a potential replacement for the aging Aaron Rodgers, who may or may not return for the 2026 NFL season.

Why it matters

The Steelers have been stuck in a quarterback dilemma, with no clear long-term solution on their roster. Acquiring the young and promising McKee from the Eagles could give them a chance to find their next franchise QB, rather than relying on the uncertain future of Rodgers.

The details

ESPN's Bill Barnwell suggested the Steelers could trade two third-round picks to the Eagles to acquire Tanner McKee, the backup to Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. McKee, a 6-foot-6 passer out of Stanford, has impressed in limited playing time over the past two seasons and could be given a chance to start in Pittsburgh.

  • The Steelers are considering this trade proposal ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Tanner McKee

The backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, McKee is a tall passer out of Stanford who has shown promise in limited playing time over the past two seasons.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rodgers' future with the team is uncertain as he approaches the end of his career.

Jalen Hurts

The starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts has solidified his role as the team's franchise QB, making McKee expendable.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

What’s next

The Steelers will need to decide whether to pursue this trade with the Eagles in the coming months, as they look to address their quarterback situation ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

This proposed trade highlights the Steelers' ongoing search for a long-term solution at quarterback, as they weigh the uncertain future of Aaron Rodgers against the potential upside of a young talent like Tanner McKee. The move could provide Pittsburgh with a chance to find their next franchise QB, rather than relying on Rodgers or an unproven in-house option.