After a strong preseason, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson's future is far more uncertain than anyone could have expected. When he was brought in this offseason on a reserve/future contract, he seemed destined to be a camp arm who served as the third-or-fourth guy on the depth chart.
After the Steelers brought back Mason Rudolph, drafted Will Howard, and added Aaron Rodgers, that future seemed to be coming true. After a hand injury sidelined Howard before the preseason kicked off, however, Thompson got his shot to play and ran with it.
He was one of the best performers at QB in the entire league this summer, and it could force the Steelers into making a tough decision when roster cuts are finalized this week. Instead of debating who to cut and keep, however, trading Thompson could be an option thanks to an injury in the Las Vegas Raiders' QB room.
Pittsburgh Steelers should call the Las Vegas Raiders about Skylar Thompson
The Raiders made perhaps the biggest upgrade at QB of any team this offseason, trading for former Seahawk Geno Smith. With Pete Carroll now patrolling the Raiders' sideline, it's no surprise that they were the team to make that move. Behind Smith, 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell was supposed to be the backup after being a part-time starter each of the last two seasons.
He may not have the talent to be a starter, but O'Connell brings plenty of experience and willingness to be aggressive, something few backups offer. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured wrist that will keep him on the shelf for 6-8 weeks.
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With only rookie sixth-round pick Cam Miller left healthy behind Smith, adding an experienced backup has to be a priority. That's where the Steelers and Skylar Thompson comes into play.
Thompson's NFL reps have been up-and-down at best, but he looks much more composed as a player now that he has been in the league for a few years. He would at least offer more of a floor than the Miller, and I am sure that Pittsburgh would take just about anything in a trade.
Getting even a late-round pick swap in 2026 or a conditional pick would be great value for a player nobody thought would be in line to make the roster. It's possible that Howard ends up on injured reserve to start the season for the Steelers, so maybe Thompson will be needed for now. But if Howard can be healthy for the start of the season, trading Thompson should be a priority.