Steelers Urged To Trade For A Young Controversial Quarterback: "He Can Be A Bridge To Whatever Is Next"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make at quarterback before the start of the 2025 NFL season. The team currently has Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard competing for the third string role, but one of the two will more than likely end up being cut or traded before Week 1, with both having a chance at also making the practice squad.

Aaron Rodgers will be the Steelers' starting quarterback in Week 1. Entering his 21st NFL season, the veteran quarterback is a four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer that will likely retire at the conclusion of this season. Many have continued to ask what the Steelers' plan at quarterback could be like after Rodgers, as former NFL defensive end Chris Canty took a moment to share his opinion on what Pittsburgh could potentially do at the position.

Canty claims that the Steelers should look into acquiring Anthony Richardson from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange of a late-round draft pick.

"I like the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trade a draft pick for him, stash him, see what ends up happening," Canty stated. "He can be apart of your quarterback room going forward."

Canty then went on to say he believes Richardson could be a great short-term solution at the position after Rodgers' retirement.

"Now, do I think he's gonna be their franchise guy? No, I don't," Canty continued. "But he can be a bridge to whatever is next for the Steelers, after Aaron Rodgers."

Richardson was one of the most talked about quarterback prospects from the 2023 NFL Draft. The rising star has struggled during his two seasons in the NFL, with injuries continuing to hold the former Florida Gators star back year after year. Richardson was an elite player on the college level and many felt as if he would be among the top quarterbacks in the NFL by now.

Richardson will enter 2025 as the Colts' backup quarterback behind Daniel Jones. Richardson is still just 23 years old and may just need a change of scenery to get him back on track. The former Gator may truly benefit from a trade to the Steelers as well, as the struggling young quarterback would be learning from and playing behind one of the greatest to ever do it in Rodgers.

Steelers' Skylar Thompson Has Uncertain Future In Pittsburgh

Thompson has been one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL throughout the 2025 preseason. He has certainly played his part when called upon as the former Miami Dolphins signal-caller has shined throughout the preseason and has taken full advantage of the uptick in playing time due to Howard's injury. Thompson has emerged as the odd man out in the Steelers' quarterback room, despite multiple promising performances, as he will almost certainly land a job with another team should the young quarterback be cut.

Thompson had 152 yards and one touchdown in the Steelers' final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Howard however, will likely begin the season as the third quarterback on the depth chart if he is fully healthy by Week 1. He's still recovering from a broken hand in training camp.

Richardson's future in Indianapolis continues to look more and more uncertain as time goes on. The promising quarterback could be an excellent addition if he turns into the player he was supposed to be. At just 23 years old, a trade to the Steelers could be exactly what Richardson needs to turn his career around. For the Steelers, with questions still surrounding Rodgers, Howard and Thompson, Richardson could be the surprising answer for the franchise. 

Do you think the Steelers should look into trading for Anthony Richardson? Are you comfortable with the team cutting Skylar Thompson prior to Week 1? Does Howard still have a chance of being Pittsburgh's franchise quarterback of the future? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!

#SteelerNation