The Pittsburgh Steelers have been labeled as a team to watch with the NFL's trade deadline coming up on Tuesday, November 10th. The Steelers do not have a game before then as the team is currently enjoying its bye week, and the next time the group takes the field there is a chance that the roster is going to look a little bit different. Pittsburgh is a team that could acquire some more talent via trade, especially when it comes to addressing the weaknesses on the roster. The franchise does also have a player that could have a decent trade market.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers runs during a practice in 2026 alongside Mason Rudolph.
Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph is probably the only player in Pittsburgh that can realistically be traded. His contract is an easy one to acquire for another team, and there are always quarterback-needy teams throughout the NFL, especially at this point in the season. Some pundits have floated out the idea of trading away a player like outside linebacker Alex Highsmith because of how stacked the Steelers are at that position, but that isn't realistic for a team that is trying to win now.
Moving Rudolph would make some sense, assuming the organization is confident enough in either Will Howard or Drew Allar to step in as the new primary backup. Bringing in additional draft capital for a reserve is something the Steelers have to consider, especially if Rudolph receives interest from other teams around the league.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler was asked about which player in Pittsburgh could be on the move, and the only answer he had was Rudolph.
"Quarterback Mason Rudolph," Fowler wrote. "The Steelers are more likely to bring in players at the deadline. In fact, I don't expect Pittsburgh to move anyone. But it has a surplus at quarterback, and should more quarterback injuries occur around the league, perhaps teams call on Rudolph with an attractive offer."
Fowler made sure to note that he does not expect the Steelers to trade anyone, but a quarterback-needy team could come along and make an offer that the franchise just can't refuse. Rudolph isn't necessarily one of the best backups in the NFL, but he has plenty of experience and he has played in big games. That makes him an attractive trade candidate to some teams that might need help at quarterback.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Mason Rudolph and Mason McCormick share a moment in the locker room during the Steelers-Ravens game on January 4, 2026.
Rudolph has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh besides one season that he spent with the Tennessee Titans. He had the chance to be a starter there during that year, but things just didn't work out for the quarterback. He returned to Pittsburgh during the offseason, and he is signed through the end of the 2026 season. If he were to be acquired by any team he would essentially be a rental for the rest of the season.
Steelers Should Have A Few Teams That Could Be Interested In Rudolph's Services
Unfortunately for the Steelers, the team that might need a player like Rudolph the most is the Baltimore Ravens. A trade like that would never happen, especially not in the middle of the season when the Ravens are hurting at quarterback. Outside of Baltimore, a team like the Philadelphia Eagles could be interested. The Eagles will likely be getting rid of talent at the deadline, but there is still a chance that Philadelphia could win their division. It would make sense if they wanted another quarterback option with Tanner McKee not playing well.
If a trade for Rudolph were to occur, it would likely not be for anything special. A late Day 3 pick might be all the Steelers get in return, but that selection could be valuable based on the draft board and based on whether or not Pittsburgh can use that pick to move up in the draft. However, it is highly likely that Rudolph stays put and finishes the season with the Steelers.
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