Florio: Steelers Could be QB Trade Partner With Jets

The New York Jets may look to acquire a veteran quarterback to backup or even start over Zach Wilson at some point in the season following the news that Aaron Rodgers is out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles. However, could the Steelers be one of those teams that could get a call from the Jets front office?

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk joined 93.7 the Fan on Wednesday and discussed the possibility. He sees the Jets and Steelers as natural partners since the Steelers are one of the few teams that carry the extra backup quarterback with Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph on the bench. Florio thinks the Steelers could make the move if draft compensation is offered.

“The Steelers are one of the few teams that have the extra backup, and they could do it and say ‘Trubisky and Rudolph could back up Pickett’, or vice versa,” Florio said. “The danger is depending upon what their approach would be if they ride with Zach Wilson.”

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Pittsburgh has that luxury, but this is about the twentieth time Rudolph and Trubisky have had trade rumors around their name. It seems unlikely, as Mike Tomlin likes having the security of the two backups. Moreover, Jets head coach Robert Saleh came out with Wilson’s ringing endorsement, not wanting anyone to step on his toes. With that in mind, it is hard to see the Jets aiming too high for a backup.

Rudolph could make sense, but Trubisky likely starts in that situation. The Steelers just signed Trubisky to an extension, so trading him makes little sense. If New York wants Rudolph that badly and they blow them away with draft compensation, then I am sure the Steelers would look at that and make a move.

However, it seems unlikely right now that the Jets would trade for anyone who does not threaten Wilson or presents a clear upgrade. Someone such as Jacoby Brissett could make sense if the Commanders look to move on and embrace Sam Howell for the entire year if the Jets want that type of upgrade.