The Philadelphia Eagles have built a reputation under general manager Howie Roseman as one of the NFL’s most aggressive front offices when it comes to trades. If there’s a deal to be made, Roseman’s likely already on the phone. And with quarterback depth always a premium commodity, the Eagles may find themselves fielding calls once again-this time from Pittsburgh.
The Steelers, still searching for long-term answers under center, could be a team to watch. With Mike McCarthy stepping in, there’s an expectation that Pittsburgh will prioritize stability at quarterback-something that’s been elusive in recent seasons. That’s where a name like Tanner McKee enters the conversation.
In a recent mock trade scenario, the Eagles would send McKee to Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a conditional third-rounder in 2027. On paper, it’s a calculated swing for both sides-especially for the Steelers, who have struggled to find consistency at the position.
McKee, standing 6-foot-6 with a prototypical frame and a cerebral approach to the game, turned heads during the 2025 preseason. He completed 20-of-25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns-numbers that don’t just look good, they hint at untapped potential.
He’s also seen limited action in the regular season, including some mop-up duty and a pair of Week 18 starts over the past two years. His Total QBR sits at 45.3-modest, but notably higher than that of Aaron Rodgers (44.5) over the same span.
The intrigue here is less about what McKee has done and more about what he could do with a real shot. He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and for a team like the Steelers-who rarely find themselves drafting high enough to grab a top-tier quarterback prospect-taking a flier on a 25-year-old with upside makes strategic sense. If they like what they see, a short-term extension could keep McKee in the building without committing long-term capital.
Pittsburgh has some flexibility, too. They picked up an extra third-rounder in the George Pickens trade, which gives them some room to maneuver without mortgaging their future. That kind of draft capital can grease the wheels on a deal like this-especially for a team that’s trying to find value at quarterback without paying top dollar.
But from the Eagles’ side, this isn’t a giveaway. Roseman is known for extracting maximum value, and two third-round picks might not be enough to get the deal done.
According to the mock scenario, Roseman might push for more-potentially asking for a young edge rusher like Nick Herbig in return. If that’s the case, Philly could sweeten the pot by attaching a Day 2 pick of their own alongside McKee.
Ultimately, this is the kind of trade that fits both teams’ profiles. The Eagles, always looking to churn assets and maximize value, have a developmental QB with potential and limited opportunity behind Jalen Hurts.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are in quarterback limbo and might be ready to roll the dice on a low-risk, high-upside option. Whether this particular deal materializes or not, the logic behind it is sound-and it wouldn’t be surprising to see McKee’s name surface in trade talks as the offseason unfolds.