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The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to enter the 2026 season with a massive question mark at the quarterback position. Future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers previously led the team to the playoffs a year ago. Nevertheless, the former Packer remains a free agent after seeing his previous deal with the Steelers expire.

With Rodgers’ future still up in the air, Pittsburgh’s current quarterback room is fairly worrisome. Veteran Mason Rudolph is the only signal-caller with real NFL experience. The Steelers previously drafted Will Howard from Ohio State in the 2025 draft. Howard, however, did not receive a single snap during his first professional season. The team then selected Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 draft.

Because of the situation, there are already expectations that Pittsburgh will end its 21-year streak of having a winning record. CBS Sports reporter Garrett Podell even recently ranked the Steelers as having the third-worst quarterback room in the entire NFL. As a result, team brass will likely look to the trade market to improve the situation.

While there are several options out there, Philadelphia Eagles backup Tanner McKee could be a viable option for the Steelers. McKee may not exactly be a sexy name in the trade market. He has, however, shown that he can become a decent option when called on. In limited opportunities in Philly, the quarterback has five touchdowns against just one interception. McKee also has a 95.7 passer rating on 88 total NFL throws.

Pittsburgh Steelers Could Give Tanner McKee a Real Shot at Quarterback

GettyTanner McKee previously won a Super Bowl with the Eagles.

Despite McKee’s lack of star power, the Eagles have received plenty of calls on the quarterback. So far, Philadelphia has resisted the urge to offload its backup. In fact, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has claimed that Tanner provides “incredible security” for the team.

Nevertheless, Roseman recently brought in veteran Andy Dalton to give typical starter Jalen Hurts an insurance policy. As a result, McKee could likely be had for the right price. The former 2023 sixth-round pick is also heading towards his final year under contract with the team. Because of this, the Pittsburgh Steelers may want to take advantage of the situation to grab McKee before he ultimately hits free agency.

Pittsburgh has to Give New Coach More Options at Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers will enter 2026 with a new coach. Offensive guru Mike McCarthy officially replaced the defensive-minded Mike Tomlin. McCarthy previously laid out his vision, both offensively and defensively, for the team. In the remarks, the veteran coach specifically pointed to making his quarterback successful through his particular schemes.

Although McKee may not be a household name, he is smart and poised enough to run a Mike McCarthy offense. Pro Bowl New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez previously raved about McKee during their time in the Pac-12. McKee featured collegiately at Stanford, while Gonzalez played for the Oregon Ducks.

The Eagles and Steelers have traded a quarterback in recent years. Pittsburgh sent Kenny Pickett across state to Philadelphia in 2024 following their acquisition of Russell Wilson. Interestingly enough, Pickett previously won the backup job over McKee with the Eagles that year.

Pittsburgh Steelers receive: Tanner McKee

Philadelphia Eagles receive: 2027 4th Round Pick