ClutchPoints
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be one of the most interesting teams to watch during the 2026 NFL offseason. Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down as head coach completely changed the trajectory the team will take over the next several months. Now the Steelers are busy interviewing head coaching candidates before they figure out what to do next.
Pittsburgh may not have Tomlin anymore, but they may be searching for a candidate who fits the Tomlin mold.
It is difficult to tell what the future will hold in Pittsburgh until that hire is made. But one predictable change for the organization could be the quarterback position.
Aaron Rodgers was never a sure thing to come back for the 2026 season. Both sides were open to the 42-year-old veteran returning next season, but that was before Tomlin’s surprising news. Now that Tomlin is gone, it already feels decided that Rodgers will not be back.
But that does not mean the Steelers are without options at the position.
Pittsburgh holds the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft can could select a rookie signal caller. Or they could make a bold trade to acquire a veteran for the 2026 season.
Should the Steelers explore the quarterback trade market this offseason? And who might they be able to acquire?
Below we will explore one perfect offseason trade the Steelers should make after their disappointing 2025 season.
Let’s go over the hypothetical trade terms before getting into any analysis.
Steelers receive:
Cardinals receive:
This would be a colossal trade for both the Cardinals and the Steelers.
Arizona trading away Murray would be the official beginning of a new era. Of course, the Cardinals will already be in uncharted territory with a new head coach. Perhaps now is the right time to move on from the speedy quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Steelers could get their hands on a talented quarterback for a relative bargain with this trade.
In this scenario, I have the Steelers absorbing the entirety of Murray’s existing contract. That’s why they get such a good deal on Murray, who could still be a franchise quarterback.
Here are the terms of Murray’s contract after a theoretical trade to the Steelers, per Over the Cap.
It is important to note that $22.84 million of Murray’s 2026 cap hit is just from salary. That means Pittsburgh could convert some of that into a signing bonus and thereby free up cap space this offseason.
I also want to point out that Pittsburgh is projected to have 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. That makes the price of a few mid-round picks not that painful.
Personally, I think this would be a great decision by the Steelers. At...
