The Pittsburgh Steelers are still without a formidable starting quarterback for the 2025 season. The team seems to be waiting on a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, as the wait has been extended, other names have been thrown around as possible quarterbacks for Pittsburgh. Some are more realistic than others. The team could be set on getting a veteran to start for next season, as the quarterback draft class is light this year, and a veteran may have a better chance of snapping the Steelers' playoff losing streak. Recently, a former NFL player has suggested a surprising trade for a potential candidate.
Jason McCourty, a former NFL cornerback, suggested on ESPN's "Get Up" that the Steelers call the San Francisco 49ers and ask if quarterback Brock Purdy is available. It would be a move that would stun the NFL and one that is highly unlikely.
“Now, if you’re the Pittsburgh Steelers, you’ve already traded for DK Metcalf and gave him a big contract," McCourty said. "You need to have somebody to throw the ball to them. If you’re the Steelers, why not think about calling up the 49ers and John Lynch and saying ‘I don’t know where you guys are at right now. Give us a shot at Brock Purdy. We’ll let him be able to distribute to all the weapons we have here in Pittsburgh.'”
Currently, Purdy isn't on the trade block, and if he were the quarterback, he would come at a steep price. It's a great-sounding idea, but not one that's rooted in reality. While the Steelers seem content to wait for a quarterback to sign with them, waiting around for Purdy to become available would be a waste of time.
Steelers' QB situation is getting very dire
As the field of potential candidates grows limited, reaching a decision should become easier. Although Pittsburgh is taking an unusual amount of time to lock down a quarterback, it may be that the team already has a plan in place. It's been rumored that the Steelers and Rodgers already have a secret deal worked out.
Right now, it appears that the Steelers are at the mercy of Rodgers. Should the veteran quarterback end up signing with another team or choose retirement over Pittsburgh, it would be a bad look for the Steelers. However, if the Steelers are more in control of the situation than most think and already can be confident that they will land Rodgers, it would be a relieving conclusion to the ongoing quarterback situation.
To complement Rodgers, or whatever other quarterback the Steelers sign, Pittsburgh is also likely to draft a rookie quarterback. Names such as Jaxon Dart and Jalen Milroe are at the top of the list. If the Steelers sign a veteran like Rodgers, any rookie drafted would likely be made a backup and given time to develop.
If Rodgers signs with the Steelers, it will likely be for only one year. The 41-year-old will not be a long-term fix for the Steelers' problems. Should a rookie quarterback be taken by Pittsburgh in this year's draft, he would likely take over the reins from Rodgers the following season.
Purdy is currently on the last year of his rookie contract with the 49ers, and the young quarterback is sure to get an extension. In other words, the quarterback is far out of the Steelers' reach. Between Purdy and Rodgers, Rodgers is certainly the less coveted player, but the most realistic for Pittsburgh to land at this point.
Maybe once Purdy's tenure with the 49ers has run its course, other teams could try and land the quarterback. But that scenario is far off, and the Steelers' need for a quarterback is more immediate.
