Khan: Steelers Trading for Quarterback is Still on the Table
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan reveals trading for another veteran quarterback is still on the table.
PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to weigh their options at quarterback as the wait for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision drags on. General manager Omar Khan says that includes trading for one.
“We always go to training camp with four quarterbacks, and we have two under contract right now,” Khan said. “So all options are on the table through free agency, trade or the draft, obviously.”
Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson currently occupy the Steelers quarterback room. But while head coach Mike Tomlin has expressed his confidence in Rudolph to be the starter, it’s obvious that’s not plan A or maybe even plan B.
Rodgers remains the Steelers ideal starter for the 2025 season, and if that falls through, a trade could be the next best option.
Two quarterbacks are reportedly available for a trade in Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins and New England Patriots’ Joe Milton III.
Cousins, 36, signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last offseason. But he disappointed in his first year with Atlanta, passing for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 games before being benched for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The four-time Pro Bowler does have a no-trade clause, but he would likely waive it if he were given the opportunity to start elsewhere.
Milton, on the other hand, would be an upside play. The 6-foot-5, 246-pound quarterback has a rocket arm and dual-threat ability, but there is a reason he was drafted in the sixth round.
He played well in the Patriots’ Week 18 upset over the Buffalo Bills, completing 22 of 29 passes (75.9%) for 241 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and a 111.4 passer rating. But the small sample size presents a risk for interested teams.
Khan didn’t confirm nor deny that either player is available but did say he is aware of those who are.
“We kind of have a feel for what’s out there and what other teams are thinking,” Khan said. “Conversations happen here, they happen on the phone and at the combine. So we have an idea of what’s out there.”
Only time will tell whether the Steelers will trade for Cousins, Milton or someone else, but it’s safe to assume that would happen after the Rodgers sweepstakes have concluded.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Palm Beach, Fla.