Should Steelers trade for Kyler Murray? Exploring potential packages with Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future

Despite all of the offseason rumors, Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent and not a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, with the NFL season quickly approaching, the Steelers may need to make a choice between being proactive and reactive.

Pittsburgh has one of the best coaches in the NFL, Mike Tomlin, an elite-level defensive unit that features T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, and top offensive weapons in DK Metcalf, Kaleb Johnson and Pat Freiermuth. The only glaring weakness is the quarterback position, which could be fixed through a trade for a top QB.

Yes, Rodgers may end up signing for the Steelers, but he expects to be a one-year rental player and not the long-term answer. The Steelers could decide to find their QB of the future in a trade with an NFC team this offseason, one that has major upside and is comfortable playing in a run-first style that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Tomlin prefer to operate in.

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is an elite runner of the football, has operated in a run-first style of game throughout his career, yet also has much more upside as a passer than anyone the Steelers have had since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.

Murray has averaged approximately 3,250 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 503 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns per season since entering the league as the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL draft. However, he may cost the Steelers some substantial capital moving forward.

How could the Steelers structure a trade for Kyler Murray? Would it make the Steelers a playoff team?

Both trade compensation and contract terms may be problematic for the Pittsburgh Steelers' hopes of acquiring Kyler Murray. However, the franchise has shown with DK Metcalf that they are willing to spend money if it means improving the roster.

According to Spotrac, Murray is set to earn $43.3 million in 2025, a value that would likely need to be slightly restructured for the Steelers to make the cap situation work next year. Furthermore, the price for a proven starting QB would likely be a first-round selection in the NFL draft, as well as a lower-round pick or an established player.

However, should he join the Steelers and the franchise can figure out how to make it work, it would be hard to imagine Pittsburgh not taking a step in the right direction in 2025. The Steelers have consistently made the playoffs over the past decade, despite not having strong QB play.

Murray would be the best QB in years should he join the team, which should lead to greater club success next year.