Steelers Face Familiar QB Uncertainty-Could Kyler Murray Be the Answer?
Another offseason, another quarterback conundrum in Pittsburgh. The Steelers once again find themselves staring down a depth chart that raises more questions than answers.
With Aaron Rodgers’ future hanging in the balance-whether he retires, returns, or looks for a new uniform-the only two quarterbacks currently under contract are Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. That’s not exactly a trio that screams long-term stability.
If Rodgers decides to walk away or play elsewhere, Pittsburgh could be forced to explore the trade market. And one intriguing name that’s starting to surface? Kyler Murray.
The Arizona Cardinals quarterback has been floated as a potential trade target for the Steelers, with some projecting that a second-round pick might be enough to get a deal done. That’s not a small price, but given the current quarterback landscape-and Murray’s ceiling-it’s a move that could make sense.
Here’s why: Murray’s contract situation is coming to a head. By March 15, the fifth day of the 2026 league year, his $19.7 million base salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed.
That deadline effectively puts the Cardinals on the clock. If they’re going to move him, it likely needs to happen early in the offseason.
And let’s be honest-the 2026 quarterback draft class isn’t exactly overflowing with can’t-miss prospects. That scarcity could push QB-needy teams like Pittsburgh toward a proven, if imperfect, veteran like Murray.
Of course, there are risks. Murray has missed significant time in two of the last three seasons, including appearing in only five games in 2025.
In that stretch, he threw six touchdowns against three interceptions and went 2-3 as a starter. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they also don’t tell the whole story.
When healthy, Murray’s talent is undeniable. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler, earning those honors in 2020 and 2021.
That 2021 season? It’s still the only time he’s led Arizona to the playoffs.
His dual-threat ability, quick release, and off-script creativity make him one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the league-when he’s on the field.
That’s the gamble here. The Steelers would be betting on upside, hoping that a change of scenery and a more stable offensive infrastructure could help Murray rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s rising stars.
For Pittsburgh, the equation is simple: they need a quarterback who can elevate the offense, not just manage it. Mason Rudolph has had flashes, and Will Howard remains a developmental project.
Rodgers, if he returns, is a short-term solution at best. Murray, for all the question marks, offers something the others don’t-long-term potential with Pro Bowl-level talent.
The Steelers have a proud history of stability under center, from Bradshaw to Roethlisberger. But since Big Ben’s retirement, it’s been a revolving door. If they believe Murray can stay healthy and thrive in their system, this might be the offseason they finally find their next franchise guy.
Stay tuned. The clock is ticking in Arizona, and Pittsburgh might just be ready to make a move.