The Pittsburgh Steelers may have just found themselves in a rare position of opportunity - one that could reshape their quarterback room and potentially their entire offensive identity. The buzz around Kyler Murray being available via trade is gaining traction, and the Steelers are one of the few teams with both the need and the assets to make a serious move.
Let’s start with the connection: newly-hired head coach Mike McCarthy reportedly had interest in Murray in the past. That’s not nothing.
McCarthy has long been known for his work with quarterbacks, and pairing him with a dynamic talent like Murray could be the kind of fresh start both sides need. But what’s really pushing this into the realm of possibility is Murray’s reported trade value - and it’s lower than you might expect for a two-time Pro Bowler who’s still just 28 years old.
According to recent reports, the Arizona Cardinals would consider moving Murray if the offer is right, and that “right” might start with a third-round pick. That’s a surprisingly modest price tag for a player who, when healthy, can be one of the most electric dual-threat quarterbacks in the league.
And here’s where things get interesting for Pittsburgh: they’re sitting on a surplus of 2026 third-round picks. They’ve got their own, a compensatory selection, and another acquired in the George Pickens trade. That kind of draft capital gives the Steelers flexibility - and in this case, a chance to solve their most pressing offseason question without mortgaging the future.
Let’s be honest: the Steelers’ quarterback situation is murky at best. The idea of rolling the dice again in the draft, especially in a class that’s not exactly overflowing with surefire franchise guys, isn’t exactly appealing.
And chasing a veteran retread? That hasn’t worked out so well lately either - just ask anyone still trying to talk themselves into a 43-year-old Aaron Rodgers.
Murray, on the other hand, brings upside. Real, tangible upside.
He’s still in his prime and has already proven he can produce at a high level in the NFL. In 2024, he ranked seventh in completion percentage (68.8%), ninth in total QBR (63.4), and 11th in passing yards (3,851).
He added 572 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground - the kind of mobility that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
Yes, he was benched this season in favor of Jacoby Brissett, a move that raised eyebrows. But that doesn’t erase what Murray can do when he’s right - and in the right system. A change of scenery, especially one that pairs him with a seasoned offensive mind like McCarthy, could be exactly what he needs to get back to form.
For Pittsburgh, this wouldn’t just be a short-term fix. Murray offers a potential long-term answer at a position that has lacked clarity since Ben Roethlisberger hung up the cleats. If the Steelers believe they’re a quarterback away from competing - and with the defense they’ve built, that’s not a stretch - then this is the kind of move that could accelerate the timeline.
Of course, nothing’s official yet. But if the market really starts with a third-rounder, and the Steelers are as intrigued as the dots suggest, it might be time to stop viewing this as just smoke. There could be real fire here - and for Pittsburgh, it might just be the spark they’ve been looking for.