The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the offseason with more questions than answers-and the biggest one hinges on the future of Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers decides to walk away, Pittsburgh will be staring down a critical decision at quarterback.
Do they roll the dice with Will Howard or Mason Rudolph? Or do they look outside the building-through free agency, the draft, or a trade-to find their next signal-caller?
This is a franchise that doesn’t believe in rebuilding for the sake of it. The Steelers haven’t had a losing season since 2003, and under Mike Tomlin, they’ve consistently found ways to stay competitive, even when the roster has been far from perfect.
Owner Art Rooney II has made it clear: tanking isn’t on the table. That means every move this offseason will be made with one goal in mind-winning now.
With that mindset, Pittsburgh could be active on the trade front. They’ve stockpiled draft capital and have the flexibility to make a splash. Here are three potential trade targets who could help them address some of their most pressing needs.
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Let’s start with the biggest name. If Rodgers doesn’t return, Kyler Murray could be a name to watch.
The Steelers have already shown they’re not afraid to trade for a quarterback-just look at the Justin Fields deal. But Murray would be a different kind of acquisition.
He’s a former No. 1 overall pick, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback with Pro Bowl pedigree. While he hasn’t quite cemented himself as a top-tier franchise QB, he’s still a significant upgrade over what Pittsburgh currently has on the roster.
There’s no sugarcoating it-Murray comes with a hefty contract. But the structure of the deal gives the Steelers an out after the 2026 season.
If things don’t work out, they could move on and save over $36 million in cap space in 2027. That makes Murray a relatively low-risk, high-upside option if Rodgers isn’t in the picture.
For a team that wants to stay in the playoff mix, Murray might be the best available option not named Aaron Rodgers.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
If the Steelers are serious about upgrading their offense, wide receiver is a spot that needs immediate attention. Enter Brian Thomas Jr.
The Steelers were reportedly high on Thomas during the 2024 NFL Draft process but went in a different direction. Since landing in Jacksonville, Thomas has flashed big-play ability and shown he can be a reliable target at the next level. He’s still on his rookie deal, with two years left and a fifth-year option available-so there’s plenty of team control.
Pittsburgh’s receiving corps is in need of fresh talent. George Pickens has shown promise, but beyond that, the depth is thin. Thomas would bring size, speed, and a physical presence to the outside-exactly what this offense needs to stretch the field and create mismatches.
If Jacksonville makes him available, the Steelers should absolutely pick up the phone. He’s young, affordable, and already producing. That’s a rare combo on the trade market.
Riley Moss, CB, Denver Broncos
The Steelers' secondary has some pieces to build around-most notably Joey Porter Jr., who looks like a future star. But they still need help, particularly at the other corner spot. Riley Moss could be an intriguing solution.
Moss, 25, has logged meaningful snaps in Denver and held his own against some tough competition. With the Broncos’ defense getting crowded in the secondary, they might be willing to move a player like Moss to make room for younger talent.
He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and a contract extension will be on the table soon. That could lower his trade cost, especially if Denver isn’t ready to commit long term. For Pittsburgh, Moss could step in as a starter opposite Porter Jr. and give them a solid, experienced presence on the boundary.
This is the kind of under-the-radar move that could pay big dividends-especially for a team trying to retool its defense without blowing it up.
Bottom Line
The Steelers aren’t interested in a rebuild. They’re interested in results. Whether Rodgers returns or not, this team will be looking to upgrade key areas and stay in the playoff hunt.
Kyler Murray could stabilize the quarterback room. Brian Thomas Jr. would inject life into a stagnant receiving corps.
Riley Moss could solidify a shaky secondary. All three are realistic trade targets, and all three fit Pittsburgh’s win-now mentality.
Omar Khan has already shown he's not afraid to be aggressive. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers make a move-or three-before the offseason dust settles.