The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the hunt for their next franchise quarterback, even if Aaron Rodgers returns in 2026. With the 2026 NFL draft lacking many exciting options, and free agency predictably having very little to offer, the trade market could be where teams like the Steelers turn to.
Names like Tanner McKee, Davis Mills, and Joe Milton III have been brought up in trade rumors since the end of the season, but the biggest name is a player who seemed destined for stardom just two years ago. Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud has had an up-and-down past two seasons following his electric rookie campaign, including an awful two-game sample in the 2025 playoffs.
With his struggles seemingly intensifying at the worst time, some analysts began questioning whether the Texans would explore moving on from their franchise QB before needing to give him a massive extension. Those rumors were just put to bed, however, as general manager Nick Caserio had strong words for those even asking the question.
#Texans GM Nick Caserio says the idea of trading QB C.J. Stroud is “moronic,” and he isn’t going anywhere. https://t.co/5RRlIg9KZi pic.twitter.com/bSZRhICbnD
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 24, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers slim chances of trading for C.J. Stroud just went up in smoke
Were the Steelers really ever going to even attempt to trade for Stroud? Probably not, but they would have been smart to do so if he was really made available. While I wouldn't go as far as calling it "moronic" as Caserio did, the idea of the Texans moving on from Stroud isn't insane to imagine.
Their defense is perhaps the best in the NFL as of this moment, with the Seahawks and Broncos also challenging them for that distinction. If Houston felt like Stroud's turnover issues this postseason (five fumbles and five interceptions) were a sign of things to come, moving on now before his value craters even more would make sense.
Even after his disastrous postseason, they could likely get multiple high draft picks in exchange for Stroud from a desperate team. The Steelers would have been an intriguing landing spot, as head coach Mike McCarthy would love his pocket passing ability and arm talent. Adding Stroud may not be enough to get them over the hump immediately, but it would allow Pittsburgh to focus on rebuilding its aging defense instead of searching for a new franchise QB in the draft.
For a team that is constantly picking in the middle of the draft, a QB like Stroud becoming available is something the Steelers should always be looking out for. Spending that much draft capital and money on a QB is risky, but so is trading up for one in the draft. While it won't be Stroud, the next young QB who becomes available for trade should be squarely on their radar.