The NFL offseason is upon us, and the trade rumors are heating up. As teams navigate coaching changes and expiring contracts, the chatter around potential roster moves is inevitable.
One name making waves is Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are right in the mix of the conversation.
There's a growing buzz around Stroud, fueled by comments from Ryan Fitzpatrick and discussions on the MMQB Podcast, suggesting that teams might be willing to offer two first-round picks for him. The Steelers, in particular, are being touted as a potential landing spot.
Since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement in 2021 and after the unsuccessful Kenny Pickett experiment, Pittsburgh has been on a quarterback carousel. With the possibility of relying on a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers for the 2026 season, the need for a fresh face under center is pressing.
However, jumping into trade talks for C.J. Stroud might not be the answer.
Stroud entered the league with high expectations, being the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the Offensive Rookie of the Year title with 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He seemed like a cornerstone for the Texans.
But things have shifted. While Stroud hasn't had a losing season in his first three years, his performance has dipped.
His 2024 stats showed a decline, and 2025 was even more challenging, with Stroud throwing for just 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions over 14 games. His passer rating has struggled to surpass 93.0, and he ranked 31st in the NFL with a 65.0 PFF grade in 2025, trailing behind veterans like Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco.
Despite the Texans' recent success, it's been more about the team's overall performance than Stroud's contributions. The Steelers could consider trading for Stroud, given his youth and potential for a turnaround.
However, the cost is a significant hurdle. Fitzpatrick's estimate of more than two first-round picks, coupled with the need for a hefty contract extension, makes this a risky move.
Stroud is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and even with a fifth-year option, a new contract is imminent if traded. With quarterbacks like Jordan Love and Trevor Lawrence securing $55 million annually, Stroud could command a similar figure, putting financial pressure on the Steelers.
While Stroud has the potential to revive his career, the Steelers must weigh the risks. Trading multiple first-round picks and committing to a massive contract for a player whose franchise quarterback status is uncertain could be a gamble too great to take.
Pittsburgh's search for a franchise quarterback is critical, but when it comes to C.J. Stroud, the risks may outweigh the rewards.