Steelers Insider Explores Blockbuster QB Trade Target Amid Aaron Rodgers Uncertainty

After a few weeks of steady updates that quarterback Aaron Rodgers would likely return for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026, there’s suddenly major doubt that will happen. NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala said on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday that Rodgers is likely done playing in the league.

With that possibly the case, Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders named 12 external quarterback options for Mike McCarthy in 2026. One of the more intriguing was Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa.

The 27-year-old quarterback is a potential trade candidate for NFL teams this offseason. Pundits are likely to call any deal involving the former first-round pick this spring a blockbuster.

“Tua Tagovailoa is just two years removed from a 4,600-yard Pro Bowl performance in 2023, and in his last four seasons, has had a passer rating over 101,” wrote Saunders.

It’s also possible the Steelers won’t have to trade for Tagovailoa. The quarterback is a potential cut candidate for the Dolphins, who have already released wideout Tyreek Hill and other veterans this month.

Tagovailoa had posted a winning record as a starter every year in the league before 2025. Last season, the quarterback completed 67.7% of his passes with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Tagovailoa also led the Dolphins to a 6-8 record.

In addition to Tagovailoa, Saunders named six other offseason quarterback trade candidates for the Steelers. They were Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, Justin Fields, Geno Smith, Will Levis, and Anthony Richardson.

Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb