Steelers Have Perfect Chance To Pull Off Big Time QB Trade With Vikings

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in quarterbacks Skylar Thompson, Mason Rudolph, Aaron Rodgers, and Will Howard in the 2025 offseason. Obviously, Rodgers was the big talk of the town. At 41 years old, the four-time league MVP came to Pittsburgh for what he hinted could be his last ride in the NFL. However, Rodgers has already been teasing fans about possibly returning for the 2026 season.

Through the first eight weeks, the Steelers sit at 4-3 and hold first place in the AFC North. With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching on November 4th, speculation is growing about what moves Pittsburgh might make to strengthen their roster for a playoff push. Many pundits believe the Steelers may trade to land a wide receiver.

On Saturday, ESPN insider Ben Solak reported that the Minnesota Vikings are likely interested in trading for a quarterback. That news could give the Steelers the perfect opportunity to make a move. 

With Rodgers leading the way and Howard developing behind him, Pittsburgh has depth at the position that most teams envy. Rudolph and Thompson have both proven capable as backups, which could make one of them valuable to a team like Minnesota that’s in need of immediate quarterback help.

"We're getting J.J. McCarthy's third start this week, and it's a doozy," Solak wrote via his article for ESPN on Saturday. "The Vikings are on the road in Detroit against a tremendous run defense and a confusing, aggressive secondary. I expect a ton of third-and-longs for McCarthy and some shaky pass protection."

Solak believes that quarterback JJ McCarthy hasn’t impressed the Vikings’ front office so far. While McCarthy may still be viewed as the team’s long-term future, the Vikings are looking for more immediate help at quarterback in the 2025 season. 

This has led Solak to suggest that Minnesota could seriously be in the market for a reliable QB2 with potential starter upside as the trade deadline approaches. This bodes well for Pittsburgh.

"If this game gets ugly just two days before the NFL trade deadline, I'd expect Minnesota to make some calls for a viable QB2 who could moonlight as QB1," Solak said. "The Colts' Anthony Richardson Sr.? The Eagles' Tanner McKee? The Chiefs' Gardner Minshew?"

Thompson might not fit that exact mold, but he does bring valuable playoff starting experience to the table. Rudolph, on the other hand, has logged multiple starts throughout his career and has delivered some solid performances that could help boost his trade value. Both quarterbacks offer stability and experience, qualities that could appeal to a Vikings team looking to stay competitive while McCarthy continues his development.

Steelers Calling The Vikings Would Still Be Worthwhile

While the potential return for a trade might not be huge, it could still be worthwhile for the Steelers. Moving a backup quarterback could free up a roster spot, bring in a future draft pick, or add depth at another position of need. 

If Minnesota is willing to offer fair value, sending Rudolph or Thompson their way makes sense from both a business and competitive standpoint. With Rodgers in control and the Steelers chasing an AFC North title, a smart move at the deadline could further solidify Pittsburgh’s standing as a legitimate playoff contender. 

All eyes are now on Steelers General Manager Omar Khan as fans wait to see what tricks he may have up his sleeve. The Steelers have lost back-to-back games in the 2025 season. They now have a chance to redeem themselves in Week 9 as the red-hot Indianapolis Colts come to the Steel City.

Would you want to see the Steelers send one of their quarterbacks, like Mason Rudolph or Skylar Thompson, with the Vikings? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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