Steelers Encouraged To Trade 3rd Round Pick For Once Promising Star

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an eventful 2025 offseason at the quarterback position. Pittsburgh signed four-time MVP and future Hall Of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal, with many hoping that Rodgers will be the healthiest he has been in years. Rodgers is 41 years old however, as it would be fair for fans to express their concerns with the Steelers' future plans at the position.

The Steelers drafted former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round back in April. Howard was a star in college and played a crucial role in Ohio State's National Championship run. Howard could get an opportunity to play at some point down the line, but the rookie more than likely won't take a snap throughout the 2025 regular season, barring something unforeseen happening.

With many continuing to question what the Steelers' future plans should look like at quarterback, NFL analyst from Bleacher Report, Alex Kay, took a moment to share a realistic trade scenario.

"While Pittsburgh did utilize a Day 3 pick on Will Howard, the sixth-rounder is a long-term project with limited upside." Kay wrote. 

Kay then continued to write about a realistic scenario in which Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson could end up in Pittsburgh.

"The team could try to rehabilitate a signal-caller with a far higher ceiling by trading for Anthony Richardson."

Richardson has struggled during his first two seasons in the NFL. The promising quarterback has dealt with a number of injuries and has looked very underwhelming at times. The former Florida Gator was one of the most talked about prospects from the 2023 NFL Draft, and a change of scenery could be exactly what the young quarterback needs to get his career back on track.

Kay suggested that the Steelers should try to trade a third-round pick in order to acquire Richardson from the Colts. A trade along these lines would almost certainly trigger a number of mixed reactions from Steeler Nation as it can be argued that Richardson has already reached his full potential and may not be worth trading a valuable pick for. 

Richardson could truly benefit from a trade to Pittsburgh as well, as the former Gator would be playing and learning behind one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever do it in Rodgers.

Steelers Offense Under Arthur Smith Could Be Excellent Fit For Anthony Richardson 

Despite the struggles throughout his first two seasons, Richardson is still just 23 years old, and can still prove to be a serviceable starter should he find the right fit with a team. The young quarterback would quickly become a top beneficiary of Rodgers' presence throughout the year as well. Richardson may be an excellent fit under Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith in Pittsburgh, as Smith could play a key role in Richardson's development should the team decide to trade for him. 

Smith would certainly have a lot on his plate in terms of further developing Richardson if Pittsburgh traded for him. Richardson's arm strength and athleticism could be very appealing in a Smith ran offense. Fans should continue to keep a close eye on any Richardson-related trade rumors for the remainder of the offseason, as trade talks could heat up in the near future.

A trade involving Richardson to the Steelers is almost guaranteed to receive both positive and negative feedback. Some people believe the Colts' quarterback is a bust, while others think the young player just needs to find a new team. Richardson is still just 23 years old and a trade to the Steelers in the near future remains as a legitimate possibility.

How would you feel about a trade that sends Richardson to Pittsburgh? Do you believe that Howard could be a long term solution as the Steelers' starting quarterback after Rodgers retires? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!

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