Getty

Quarterback JJ McCarthy and wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings.

About two weeks away from the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still without a quarterback. Future first-ballot Hall of Fame signal-caller Aaron Rodgers is undecided on whether or not he wants to continue his legendary career. If the Steelers don’t receive an answer soon, they may want to consider other options.

One of those options could be a trade. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes Pittsburgh should consider swinging a trade for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, whose days in the Twin Cities are likely numbered after the team signed Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Could Afford to Take a Chance on J.J. McCarthy

GettyJ.J. McCarthy led Michigan to a national title in 2023.

Here is what Moton wrote about why the Steelers may want to think about trading for the former Michigan man amidst the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers:

“The Steelers can consider J.J. McCarthy as a reclamation project who could earn the lead role over Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in an open competition. Like Mac Jones, McCarthy went in the top half of the first round in his draft class and may need to find the right spot to realize his full potential…Regardless of Rodgers’ decision, the Steelers should be interested in adding young quarterback talent. In this scenario, they can do that at a modest cost.”

If Rodgers doesn’t want to come back, adding the former first-round pick in McCarthy might be worth thinking about, especially at a lower price. After missing his entire rookie season due to injury in 2024, McCarthy led the Vikings to a 6-4 record in his 10 starts this past season. However, he showed that he has plenty of room to grow as he threw 12 touchdown passes but turned the ball over 14 times. If he wants to grow, learning from a quarterback guru such as Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy might be good for him.

Aaron Rodgers Should Still Be Plan A for Steelers

GettyAaron Rodgers will turn 43 years of age in December.

All in all, an Aaron Rodgers return should be the goal for Pittsburgh. The four-time MVP and Super Bowl MVP has accomplished everything there is to accomplish for an NFL quarterback. Plus, if he returned for his 22nd NFL season, he could give Howard, who could be the team’s quarterback of the future, more of his knowledge. After all, why trade for another young quarterback when Howard could very well be the franchise’s future at the position?

Furthermore, Rodgers had an outstanding season considering all that was happening around him. Despite being 42 and battling a fractured wrist late in the season, despite working with a makeshift group of wide receivers, and despite being supported by an underperforming defense, Rodgers played his role perfectly.

The legendary Green Bay Packer recorded 25 total touchdowns, just seven interceptions, and a modest passer rating of 94.8. Among quarterbacks with at least 13 starts and over 3,000 yards passing, he finished in the top 10 in completions (327) and completion percentage (65.7%). Now that he has an opportunity to reunite with his old coach in McCarthy, perhaps that will make him want to come back for one more run.

Tim Lindsey A Chicago-area native, Tim Lindsey has covered the world of sports through a variety of different lenses. More specifically, he has been an NFL writer for sites such as Sports Illustrated and PFSN. Notable teams like the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers have been a major point of emphasis for the longtime writer in the past. More about Tim Lindsey