The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 offseason with a major question looming: who will be their starting quarterback next season? The franchise is widely expected to bring in a new quarterback via trade, free agency, or the 2026 NFL Draft.

Yes, the team has quarterback Will Howard, whom they drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 draft, but he remains unproven. With the Steelers coming off a playoff appearance, the widely regarded smart move would be to add another quarterback, at least to create competition for the starting role.

Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports recently listed the Steelers as one of four teams that could be interested in trading for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones, along with the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins.

“Jones is still only 27 years old and has a cap hit of just over $3 million in 2026. That creates significant value for prospective teams to evaluate Jones as a potential next veteran to revitalize his career and propel their franchise to playoff contention,” wrote Sullivan.

Sullivan projected that a trade for Jones would cost a third-round pick, which could be considered good value for a Pittsburgh team that already has a playoff-ready roster and is in need of a reliable quarterback. Jones, however, has the potential to be that guy.

GettyQB Mac Jones.

Why Mac Jones to Pittsburgh Can Happen

If the Steelers trade for Jones and he develops into the player many around the league expected when he was a first-round pick by the Patriots, Pittsburgh could have its long-term quarterback solution, a calculated risk that might be worth taking.

With a slim free agency market and a 2026 draft class considered weak, Jones makes a lot of sense if the team is looking for a safer veteran option with upside potential.

GettyJones could be considered a safe option for the Steelers at the QB position.

An Advantage of Trading for Mac Jones

If the Steelers trade for Jones, they likely would not have to give up much, considering the 49ers quarterback is currently the backup to Purdy. If Jones ends up starting for Pittsburgh, it could be a deal worth making.

Additionally, adding a veteran like Jones would reduce the need to rely on a younger quarterback such as Howard or a potential 2026 draft prospect to lead the team to wins next season.

Acquiring Jones would also allow the team to eliminate the possibility of using a high draft pick on a quarterback, enabling the franchise to address other key needs on the roster.

GettyAdding Jones would allow the Steelers to focus on other needs in the 2026 draft.

Mike Gruseke Mike Gruseke is a dedicated Heavy NFL contributor specializing in coverage of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. A graduate of Monmouth University with a B.A. in Journalism, Mike previously served as a Sports Writer for The Outlook. Most recently, he has contributed to the Asbury Park Press as a sports writer, continuing to combine his passion for football and his background in journalism. More about Mike Gruseke