Steelers Quarterback Carousel Continues: Could Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa Be the Long-Term Answer in Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again staring down the barrel of another offseason filled with quarterback questions-and this time, two big names have entered the conversation. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh is among a group of teams that could be in the mix for a new signal-caller, with both Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa potentially on the trade block.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just another round of offseason chatter. The Steelers’ quarterback situation has been in flux ever since Ben Roethlisberger called it a career, and the franchise has been cycling through stopgap solutions ever since. If Pittsburgh is serious about finding a long-term answer under center, this offseason could be pivotal.
The Kyler Murray Factor
Kyler Murray’s time in Arizona appears increasingly uncertain. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft has shown flashes of brilliance, blending elite athleticism with a strong arm and the kind of playmaking ability that keeps defensive coordinators up at night. With over 20,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards already on his résumé, Murray brings a dual-threat dynamic that could completely reshape Pittsburgh’s offense.
For a team that’s struggled to generate explosive plays in recent years, adding a quarterback like Murray would be a significant shift in identity. He’s not without his question marks-durability and consistency have been concerns-but the upside is undeniable. If Arizona is ready to move on, and Pittsburgh is ready to invest, this could be a franchise-altering move.
Tua Tagovailoa: A Different Kind of Bet
Then there’s Tua Tagovailoa, the fifth overall pick in 2020, who’s had a roller-coaster ride in Miami. At times, he’s looked like a top-tier quarterback-accurate, efficient, and in command of a high-powered offense. But his benching late last season suggests something’s broken in the Dolphins’ relationship with their QB1.
Tua’s game is built more on timing and rhythm than improvisation. He’s not the kind of quarterback who’s going to break the pocket and rip off a 30-yard run, but when he’s in sync with his receivers and protected well, he can carve up defenses. If Pittsburgh believes its offensive infrastructure can support that kind of system, Tagovailoa could be a compelling option-especially if he comes at a more manageable trade cost than Murray.
The Rodgers Wild Card
Of course, all of this is complicated by the Aaron Rodgers situation. After a stint in Pittsburgh that showed he still has some magic left, Rodgers’ future remains up in the air. He’ll be 43 next season, and while the hiring of his former coach Mike McCarthy has fueled speculation about a return, there’s no guarantee he’ll be back-or that he should be viewed as anything more than a short-term bridge.
Rodgers’ presence gives Pittsburgh a bit of breathing room, but it doesn’t solve the long-term problem. If anything, it makes the decision more urgent: do the Steelers ride it out with Rodgers one more year and hope to develop someone behind him, or do they make a bold move now to secure their quarterback of the future?
Will Howard and the Fanbase’s Hope
There’s also Will Howard, the sixth-round pick who’s become something of a fan favorite despite not yet taking a regular-season snap. It’s easy to root for a late-round underdog, especially when the alternatives haven’t exactly lit the world on fire.
But history isn’t kind to quarterbacks drafted on Day 3-especially when they haven’t had a chance to prove themselves on the field. As much as fans may want to believe in Howard, the Steelers can’t afford to bank their future on hope alone.
A Post-Roethlisberger Puzzle
Since Roethlisberger's retirement, the Steelers have tried just about everything. Kenny Pickett was supposed to be the answer, but that experiment fizzled out after two seasons. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were brought in to stabilize the position, but neither did enough to stake a claim as the long-term guy.
Rodgers brought a spark, but he’s not the future. And that’s the heart of the issue: Pittsburgh isn’t just looking for a quarterback-they’re looking for the quarterback. The one who can bring stability, leadership, and elite play back to a position that’s been in flux for far too long.
What’s Next?
Whether it’s Murray, Tagovailoa, or someone else entirely, the Steelers are at a crossroads. They’ve got a defense that can still win games, a fanbase that expects playoff football, and a franchise that isn’t built to rebuild. But without a quarterback they can truly build around, they’re stuck in the middle-too good to bottom out, but not good enough to contend.
This offseason could be the moment Pittsburgh finally makes its move. And if it is, don’t be surprised if it involves one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the league.