Proposed Pittsburgh Steelers trade adds young $9 million quarterback to develop

Most of the biggest names in free agency have already signed, and the Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t seem to have a starting quarterback on the roster.

The team allowed both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to enter free agency this offseason. Wilson signed with the New York Giants, and Fields signed with the New York Jets.
In return, the Steelers have reunited with former quarterback Mason Rudolph. Rudolph is a capable backup, but the team clearly needs a starting option.

The Steelers have been linked with Aaron Rodgers, and the veteran recently visited with the team. However, one NFL analyst thinks there’s another quarterback who should interest the team, even if Rodgers is brought in.

Evan Cohen of ESPN Radio believes Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans would be a fit in Pittsburgh.

“With or without Aaron Rodgers in the fold, the Steelers should trade for Will Levis,” said Cohen on social media.
In 2024, Levis threw for 2,091 yards with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Ball security was a major problem for the passer, who tied Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield for the league lead in turnovers.

However, as a rookie, Levis flashed at times. The quarterback threw for 1,808 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions in 2023 and eventually supplanted veteran Ryan Tannehill as the starter.

At one point in 2024, however, Levis was benched in favor of Rudolph. Could the quarterbacks reunite in Pittsburgh?

Sure, the Steelers would present a better environment than the Titans. The Steelers have a solid offensive line, two great wide receivers in George Pickens and DK Metcalf, and a great coaching staff.

However, it’s hard to see why the Steelers would take a chance on Levis. The team could just as easily draft a passer during the 2025 NFL Draft who has a higher ceiling than the mayo-loving Kentucky product.

Steelers fans would likely not tolerate entering the 2025 season with Levis and Rudolph as the top quarterbacks on the roster. If Rodgers is brought in, though, it could make sense to bring in Levis to learn from one of the greatest to ever do it.

With Rodgers, Levis, and Rudolph on the roster, the team would be able to use its top picks on non-quarterback talent. It’s unlikely Levis would cost more than a late-round pick, so the team would have several picks to use on improving the roster.