Overview
- ESPN’s Bill Barnwell outlined Pittsburgh trading a 2026 third-round pick and a conditional 2027 third to Philadelphia for backup quarterback Tanner McKee, with the 2027 pick tied to McKee’s starts.
- Barnwell suggested a plan in which the Steelers bring back Aaron Rodgers short term, acquire McKee, and then sign the 25-year-old to a brief extension.
- He also floated Philadelphia targeting Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig in some versions of the concept, though a one-for-one swap drew criticism and could require the Eagles to add Day 2 draft capital.
- McKee has a small but encouraging sample — five touchdowns and one interception across six games with strong 2025 preseason work — and he is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
- Coverage stresses this is an analyst proposal rather than active negotiations, with context noting Pittsburgh’s unsettled quarterback picture and that McKee and Herbig are under contract through 2026.