Several teams are in the market for a quarterback this offseason, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, there are fewer starting-caliber options available than openings, so they will have to get creative to upgrade the most important position in football.
For better or worse, Pittsburgh seems intent on convincing Aaron Rodgers to return for his age-43 campaign. Yet, even if they do, retaining him is only a short-term solution. This franchise badly needs stability under center, and now!
One way the Steelers can be innovative in their search for a signal-caller is by exploring trades. Arizona Cardinals two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray has been floated as a target amid speculation surrounding his uncertain future. Meanwhile, he might not be the only accomplished veteran Pittsburgh can consider acquiring if recent intel regarding the Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud is any indication.
The Ringer's Todd McShay mentioned Stroud as someone who figures to garner interest before long. If so, the Steelers ought to put their hat in the ring.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must look into the C.J. Stroud trade speculation
McShay didn't mince words during an episode of his podcast, The McShay Show. He suggested that there could be multiple high-profile passers who draw attention from pushy rival clubs, with Stroud being among those to watch.
“But the intriguing stuff, I’m told, don’t be surprised in the next couple weeks, as we get closer and closer to free agency, there’s going to be some big-name quarterbacks that are currently in destinations, that have contracts that are going to be targeted," McShay said. "Teams are going to be aggressive. C.J. [Stroud’s] one of them.”
Stroud is extension-eligible for the first time in his NFL career. He'll break the bank in due course, whether it be from the Texans or someone else. Nevertheless, as other front offices around the league have experienced firsthand, like the Cardinals with Murray, paying a quarterback and asking questions later is troublesome.
But as the saying goes, one man's trash is another's treasure. If the Texans don't want to commit to Stroud long-term, the Steelers have a prime opportunity to mortgage their future for him. While he's regressed since his sensational 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year season, the upside and track record of success are too much to ignore.
It may not always be pretty, but all Stroud, 24, does is win. He's gone 28-18 across 46 regular-season appearances with the Texans and has at least one playoff victory every year. His age and pedigree are worth chasing, and a change of scenery may do wonders for him.
For what it's worth, the Texans exercised Stroud's fifth-year option, keeping him signed through 2027. With two years of cost-friendly team control, the Steelers (or anyone) will have to make it worth Houston's while to deal him.