Here’s a fresh look at the proposed Eagles-Steelers trade scenario, reworked in a tone that’s analytical, accessible, and rooted in football insight:
Could the Eagles and Steelers Pull Off a Win-Win Trade Involving Tanner McKee and Nick Herbig?
It’s that time of year when trade chatter starts to heat up - and one recent proposal involving the Eagles and Steelers is turning heads for all the right reasons. The idea?
A straight-up swap: quarterback Tanner McKee to Pittsburgh, edge rusher Nick Herbig to Philadelphia. No draft picks, no filler - just two young players on rookie deals, both entering contract years, each potentially filling a need for the other franchise.
Let’s break it down.
Why McKee Makes Sense for Pittsburgh
Tanner McKee may have entered the league as a sixth-round pick in 2023, but he’s quietly built a case as a developmental quarterback with upside. The Eagles clearly saw enough in his preseason play to feel comfortable shipping Kenny Pickett to Cleveland before the 2025 season. That’s not a small move - it speaks to the confidence Philly’s front office, led by Howie Roseman, has in McKee’s potential.
But with Jalen Hurts entrenched as the starter and McKee entering the final year of his rookie deal, the Eagles could find themselves in a classic “sell-high” situation. The 2026 quarterback draft class doesn’t exactly have scouts buzzing, and QB-needy teams like the Steelers might be willing to make a move for a low-cost option with some NFL seasoning.
Pittsburgh, sitting at No. 21 in the draft order, could be out of range to grab someone like Alabama’s Ty Simpson. That puts the Steelers in a tough spot - unless they find a trade partner with a quarterback they believe in. Enter McKee.
Why Herbig Could Be a Fit in Philly
On the other side of the deal, Nick Herbig is coming off a breakout season. The former Wisconsin standout notched 7.5 sacks and forced three fumbles in 2025 - the kind of production that turns heads, especially from a rotational pass rusher. Over three seasons, Herbig has quietly stacked up 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles, showing a knack for getting to the quarterback and creating chaos.
Still, Herbig is the Steelers’ No. 3 edge rusher behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith - two players who aren’t going anywhere and command significant cap space.
That makes Herbig a luxury for Pittsburgh, especially with his rookie deal winding down. If they’re not planning to extend him, flipping him for a potential starting quarterback could be a smart play.
For the Eagles, adding another edge rusher with proven production would bolster a pass rush that’s always looking to stay fresh and deep. With the NFC arms race heating up, having a player like Herbig in the rotation could be a difference-maker - especially if they can get him without giving up a premium draft pick.
The Relationship Factor
There’s also a front-office connection worth noting. Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl spent years working closely with Roseman in Philly.
That relationship could help grease the wheels if talks ever got serious. It’s not everything, but in the NFL, familiarity can go a long way when it comes to getting deals done.
A “Scratch My Back, I’ll Scratch Yours” Deal?
The idea, originally floated by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, is intriguing because it checks a lot of boxes. Both players are on rookie contracts.
Both are entering contract years. Both fill needs for the other team.
And neither team has to give up future draft capital to make it happen.
It’s not often you see a trade proposal that feels this balanced. But if the Eagles believe they can’t keep McKee long-term - and if the Steelers are looking for a cost-controlled quarterback option - this might be one of those rare “win-win” scenarios.
Of course, whether it ever gets beyond the talking stage remains to be seen. But if you’re looking for a trade that makes football sense on both sides, this one deserves a spot on the radar.