The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait for Aaron Rodgers to make up his mind on a standing contract offer, and the longer he holds off on a decision, the more likely Pittsburgh is to consider making a move for a different QB.
Pittsburgh's simplest path is selecting a player at No. 21 overall in April's NFL draft, but who will be available there and what kind of value those players will represent make the selection a rookie QB both risky and hard to predict. However, the Steelers could use their first-rounder as part of a trade for a young signal-caller who is already in the league and needs a fresh start with a more successful organization.
Enter Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts, the No. 4 overall pick in 2022. The Colts benched Richardson in favor of 39-year-old Joe Flacco for a stretch last season before eventually elevating him back into the starting lineup. Flacco is a free agent now, but former New York Giants starter Daniel Jones is in Indianapolis on a one-year deal and will compete with Richardson for the starting job.
If Jones wins the spot, there is a good chance Richardson's future with the Colts is over, and the team could put him on the trade block ahead of Week 1. Bill Barnwell of ESPN imagined a trade scenario in which that happens, and the Steelers flip the No. 21 pick to Indianapolis as part of a play for the dual-threat QB who turns 23 years old ahead of next season.
"I like the fit for Richardson in the Steelers' offense. His arm strength would be a terrifying combination with DK Metcalf and George Pickens," Barnwell wrote on Monday, March 31. "Coordinator Arthur Smith has incorporated quarterback run concepts in each of his stops, although he would likely need to lean into those concepts further with Richardson under center. He might not be an immediate starter if the Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers, but he could take a much-needed redshirt year and then start in 2026."
Pittsburgh would also get the Colts' second-round pick (No. 45) in the deal, but would have to include a conditional selection in the 2027 draft, per Barnwell's proposal. Richardson is entering the third year of his $34 million rookie deal in 2025, which includes a fifth-year team option in 2027.
