Steelers QB for 2026 - trade for Tanner McKee?

[CoolShades]

The Eagles just traded for Andy Dalton.

I think McKee is on his last year of his rookie contract. In limited play, he’s looked pretty good.

Why not trade a 4th or 5th round pick for the guy and see what he looks like? I’d rather have him in the fold than rely on Howard.

I can’t see the Eagles resigning him as long as they have Hurts.


Anyone? Bueller?

[Mick]

I like mckee as well, price tag is the question. If it’s a late round pick, pull the trigger, if the ask is more would make sense to wait til he’s a FA.

[.Kodiak]

Unless PIT is lying, they seem to like Howard quite a bit.

Maybe accept that PIT has a higher opinion than you do of a guy you've never seen play in the NFL.

[bradshaw2ben]

Draft picks for a backup QB should be a fireable offense. Unless you are convinced he can be your franchise QB for several years (if it all works out), then just sign FAs off the street like Rudolph. I think even the most optimistic about McKee would say he could be a solid starter maybe. Not enough for me to part with picks.

[tbsteel]

Unless PIT is lying, they seem to like Howard quite a bit.

Spoiler alert: they are lying.

[bradshaw2ben]

Unless PIT is lying, they seem to like Howard quite a bit.

Spoiler alert: they are lying.

The love Will Howard right up until they draft Drew Allar.

[DumlinBumlinStumlin]

Unless PIT is lying, they seem to like Howard quite a bit.

Spoiler alert: they are lying.

The love Will Howard right up until they draft Drew Allar.

The draft crowd should light the north shore on fire if they take fucking Allar

[Gonzo]

Unless PIT is lying, they seem to like Howard quite a bit.

Spoiler alert: they are lying.

The love Will Howard right up until they draft Drew Allar.

unfortunately all my praying was likely fruitless ... i don't see how it isn't rodgers again. even these asshats - i don't think - would simply sit and do nothing waiting if they didn't already know he is most likely returning. and if they don't know that ... that's some weird ass way to run a club.

i would rather they bring in cousins
i dont want to see the stale ass AR show again

[.Kodiak]

Again, there isn't "no plan", they've just seen Howard play and you haven't

[RemoAZ]

I liked him coming out but I like big QBs. I think the smaller ones have too much to overcome to be great. I'd love for them to take a flier on him if it's like a 6th or 7th. With one year left on his deal, makes sense to wait until next off season if the Eagles are wanting more than that. Here's info from draft buzz:

Scouting Report: Strengths
Sticks throws into tight windows over the middle, throwing to spot on a slant or between zone defenders before the receiver is open.
Traditional pro-looking QB - aas elite size for the position - stands 6-6 and weighs 230lbs and has the elite arm strength to match
Stats may misrepresent his quality of play due to sub-par talent around him
Highly skilled in executing the west coast system - will likely transition into a pro offense with ease
Has great footwork and usually deals well with pressure
Flashes good accuracy to all levels of the field and has the arm strength to make every requisite NFL throw.
Big athlete with good height and stands tall in the pocket to survey. the field. Uses good technique, squaring his shoulders to the target and stepping into his throws.
Sprays the ball anywhere on the field, especially when given a pocket from which to deliver. Will step up into the pocket while looking downfield, reset his feet and deliver.
Has surprising speed as a runner for such a big man - has some escapability
Excellent height to see over the defense along with a super release that allows to him to avoid a number of sacks
Good accuracy overall, including excellent accuracy on short timing routes to backs and receivers, placing the ball slightly in front to lead receivers to potential yardage after the catch.
Possesses an NFL arm. Gets the ball from one hash to the opposite sideline in a hurry

Scouting Report: Weaknesses
Needs to improve his touch at all levels and know when to gun it and when to take something off his throws. His accuracy is solid, but far from great when under pressure with streaky ball placement downfield as he tries to thread the needle too much.
Had only an average season in 2021 when Stanford went just 3-9 in both 2021 and 2022, so it's difficult to tell how much of this is down to his horrible supporting cast
Doesn't decipher information as quickly as you would like, but does see the entire field and understands coverage.

[Jobu]

Spoiler alert: they are lying.

The love Will Howard right up until they draft Drew Allar.

The draft crowd should light the north shore on fire if they take fucking Allar

Are you fucking kidding? They’ll be popping champagne and dancing in the streets when the Steelers draft Allar!

[steelmann58]

Sorry I don’t see what people see in Tanner. This is especially true with the talk of a 4th rounder if it’s a 7th ok

[steelmann58]

I rather see what we have Howard over McKee

[CoolShades]

Draft picks for a backup QB should be a fireable offense. Unless you are convinced he can be your franchise QB for several years (if it all works out), then just sign FAs off the street like Rudolph. I think even the most optimistic about McKee would say he could be a solid starter maybe. Not enough for me to part with picks.

The love Will Howard right up until they draft Drew Allar.

Draft picks for a backup QB should be a fireable offense, but you think they are going to draft Allar?

Yikes.

So long, Omar! It’s been nice.... (not really.)

I wouldn’t trade for McKee if I didn’t think he could be a starter at some point. That’s an evaluation the Steelers braintrust would have to make. But if Rodgers doesn’t come back, the Steelers QB room is ass, and a mid to late round pick isn’t a big price to pay.

If you think a 4th or 5th is too high, fine. Make it a 6th or 7th if the Eagles would take it. They didn’t trade for Dalton to be a third stringer, did they? What round do you think Allar is going to go? 3rd? 4th at the latest? That’s tossing a draft pick away on a bigger risk/unknown than someone like McKee.

They still have 12 picks for this draft. I’d have no problem if they tossed a mid-late round pick to the Eagles for McKee, especially if they plan on taking a flyer on a mid-round QB anyway.


Drew Allar? God, I hope not.

[CoolShades]

Sorry I don’t see what people see in Tanner. This is especially true with the talk of a 4th rounder if it’s a 7th ok

I just pulled that out of my ass. I have no idea what the Eagles would take, but maybe they take a 6 or 7 since they just traded for Dalton. I’d definitely feel them out. I can’t see trading for Dalton to make him their 3rd string QB.

I like what I’ve seen of McKee so far, and there is no chance he’s playing for the Eagles as long as Hurts is there. I really don’t see him re-signing with the Eagles next season. He’ll want a shot to compete somewhere for the starting job, and that’s not Philadelphia.

Agree he is a roll of the dice, but so is every kid coming out in the draft. So is Howard.

[CoolShades]

I liked him coming out but I like big QBs. I think the smaller ones have too much to overcome to be great. I'd love for them to take a flier on him if it's like a 6th or 7th. With one year left on his deal, makes sense to wait until next off season if the Eagles are wanting more than that.

That’s a great point about waiting. My only thought was if they thought he had something, they could find out now without having to bid for him in FA next season.

I have no idea if other teams will be pursuing him next offseason. I like him. Until the Steelers find their guy, I want them to take as many swings as they can. Rodgers is not the solution. Neither is Mason. Howard may be, but I’d leave no stone unturned.

[RemoAZ]

I liked him coming out but I like big QBs. I think the smaller ones have too much to overcome to be great. I'd love for them to take a flier on him if it's like a 6th or 7th. With one year left on his deal, makes sense to wait until next off season if the Eagles are wanting more than that.

That’s a great point about waiting. My only thought was if they thought he had something, they could find out now without having to bid for him in FA next season.

I have no idea if other teams will be pursuing him next offseason. I like him. Until the Steelers find their guy, I want them to take as many swings as they can. Rodgers is not the solution. Neither is Mason. Howard may be, but I’d leave no stone unturned.

I wouldn't mind them dumping Rudolph, trading a late pick for Tanner and drafting a QB in the 3rd or 4th to let all three fight it out. I think we're going to be stuck with Rodgers for at least another year though. My hope is that having a HC not afraid of trying to outscore the opponent and one he's won a Superbowl with will make a huge difference this season.

Best case scenario imo in that situation would be them adding a couple high pics to solidify the left side of the line, let Rodgers start and then have one of the younger guys take over an offense that can run the ball once Rodgers gets hurt which is more likely every year he hangs on. Maybe we get another Ben situation when Maddox went down. Eventually they have to pick the right guy. This isn't the Browns or Cardinals.

[Steeldude]

I would only trade a 7th round pick. He was drafted in the 6th round. I don't believe his stock has gone up enough to warrant higher than a 7th round

[bradshaw2ben]

Draft picks for a backup QB should be a fireable offense. Unless you are convinced he can be your franchise QB for several years (if it all works out), then just sign FAs off the street like Rudolph. I think even the most optimistic about McKee would say he could be a solid starter maybe. Not enough for me to part with picks.

The love Will Howard right up until they draft Drew Allar.

Draft picks for a backup QB should be a fireable offense, but you think they are going to draft Allar?

Yikes.

So long, Omar! It’s been nice.... (not really.)

I wouldn’t trade for McKee if I didn’t think he could be a starter at some point. That’s an evaluation the Steelers braintrust would have to make. But if Rodgers doesn’t come back, the Steelers QB room is ass, and a mid to late round pick isn’t a big price to pay.

If you think a 4th or 5th is too high, fine. Make it a 6th or 7th if the Eagles would take it. They didn’t trade for Dalton to be a third stringer, did they? What round do you think Allar is going to go? 3rd? 4th at the latest? That’s tossing a draft pick away on a bigger risk/unknown than someone like McKee.

They still have 12 picks for this draft. I’d have no problem if they tossed a mid-late round pick to the Eagles for McKee, especially if they plan on taking a flyer on a mid-round QB anyway.


Drew Allar? God, I hope not.

I don’t care about a “starter”, especially a possible or someday one. The objective is to find one you can win a championship with. Otherwise you’ve got the Mason Rudolph’s of the world hanging around on the street, begging for change.

Why am I spending enem a scratch off lottery ticket on that?

[DumlinBumlinStumlin]

Allar decent pro day but his warts still there

https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/fo ... te-pro-day

Nick Farabaugh
@FarabaughFB
·
Follow
Drew Allar’s workout is finished.

The arm strength was easy to see. Flashed some touch outside the numbers. Had some others that sailed or weren’t placed precisely.

Overall, a solid session.

Not gonna change any minds, but reaffirms what was on tape.

[bradshaw2ben]

Allar decent pro day but his warts still there

https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/fo ... te-pro-day

Nick Farabaugh
@FarabaughFB
·
Follow
Drew Allar’s workout is finished.

The arm strength was easy to see. Flashed some touch outside the numbers. Had some others that sailed or weren’t placed precisely.

Overall, a solid session.

Not gonna change any minds, but reaffirms what was on tape.

Drew Allar and Taylen Green are similar passing prospects... but only one of them has all that other ridiculous athletic ability that can get him through the learning curve and add a lot to his offense's output.

Still think the QB class–in terms of "can this guy be a QB I can win a championship with or because of–shakes out like this:

Fernando Mendoza
Taylen Green
Cole Payton
Garrett Nussmeier
Ty Simpson
Drew Allar
The Field (as in a random guy from D2 could out perform everyone else on the list and not surprise me)

[anpsteel]

Unless PIT is lying, they seem to like Howard quite a bit.

Spoiler alert: they are lying.

The love Will Howard right up until they draft Drew Allar.

You are ruining my morning lol

[jebrick]

Allar decent pro day but his warts still there

https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/fo ... te-pro-day

Nick Farabaugh
@FarabaughFB
·
Follow
Drew Allar’s workout is finished.

The arm strength was easy to see. Flashed some touch outside the numbers. Had some others that sailed or weren’t placed precisely.

Overall, a solid session.

Not gonna change any minds, but reaffirms what was on tape.

Drew Allar and Taylen Green are similar passing prospects... but only one of them has all that other ridiculous athletic ability that can get him through the learning curve and add a lot to his offense's output.

Still think the QB class–in terms of "can this guy be a QB I can win a championship with or because of–shakes out like this:

Fernando Mendoza
Taylen Green
Cole Payton
Garrett Nussmeier
Ty Simpson
Drew Allar
The Field (as in a random guy from D2 could out perform everyone else on the list and not surprise me)

I would rather buy the Green lottery ticket than draft Allar. Allar does not have IT or Grit as Bruce Ariens called it. I've seen enough Penn St games over the last 3 years to confirm that. That is not a learned skill so I'm guessing he will never have it.

but he does LOOK like a QB

[bradshaw2ben]

Allar decent pro day but his warts still there

https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/fo ... te-pro-day

Drew Allar and Taylen Green are similar passing prospects... but only one of them has all that other ridiculous athletic ability that can get him through the learning curve and add a lot to his offense's output.

Still think the QB class–in terms of "can this guy be a QB I can win a championship with or because of–shakes out like this:

Fernando Mendoza
Taylen Green
Cole Payton
Garrett Nussmeier
Ty Simpson
Drew Allar
The Field (as in a random guy from D2 could out perform everyone else on the list and not surprise me)

I would rather buy the Green lottery ticket than draft Allar. Allar does not have IT or Grit as Bruce Ariens called it. I've seen enough Penn St games over the last 3 years to confirm that. That is not a learned skill so I'm guessing he will never have it.

but he does LOOK like a QB

Exactly.

[CoolShades]

Drew Allar and Taylen Green are similar passing prospects... but only one of them has all that other ridiculous athletic ability that can get him through the learning curve and add a lot to his offense's output.

Still think the QB class–in terms of "can this guy be a QB I can win a championship with or because of–shakes out like this:

Fernando Mendoza
Taylen Green
Cole Payton
Garrett Nussmeier
Ty Simpson
Drew Allar
The Field (as in a random guy from D2 could out perform everyone else on the list and not surprise me)

Taylen Green is your number 2?

Cole Payton your number 3?


Just curious… what round would you be comfortable throwing a draft pick at one of these guys?

If he can catch, Green might be a decent receiver, or maybe if he learns to block and puts on a few pounds a TE, but just because he can run fast in a straight line and jump high, that doesn’t mean he will ever be an NFL QB. He’s a massive development QB project, and I see shades of Terrelle Pryor with him. He is everyone’s flavor of the month based on his over-the-top combine performance, but I remember Anthony Richardson being the same thing a few years ago. His processing stinks. His decision-making is not good. Did you see his Senior Bowl performance? Awful. His learning curve will be years, and it may never end. He has 59 TDs and 35 INTs in his college career, and a 60% completion rate. You think he’s worth a draft pick, but trading one away for someone like McKee is a waste? Interesting.

Payton is a 1-year starter in FBS, which is Division 1-AA. His stats are pretty good, but I wouldn’t draft him before the 7th round, unless McCarthy really likes him.

Ty Simpson is also a 1-year starter in the SEC, and his TD/INT is 28/5 and a 64% completion rate. And you have him at #5?


Hell, the way things are going in Minnesota, JJ McCarthy might be available for a 6th-7th rounder. He’s clearly on the outs there… looks like another Pickett situation. Kyler Murray will most likely be the starter there, so maybe kick the tires on a McCarthy trade if anyone thinks he’s franchise material.

The Steelers need a QB. I’m open to all options, including starting Howard if that’s the way the coaching staff wants to go. I just can’t get too excited over a kid who hasn’t thrown a single pass in the NFL, and I’m not excited about Rodgers. I saw that movie last season.

I don’t understand your thinking that trading for McKee is a scratch off lottery ticket, though. Compared to what? What in the hell are any of these guys in this year’s draft? Outside of Mendoza, they are all scratch off lottery tickets. And truth is, Mendoza may be also.

[bradshaw2ben]

Drew Allar and Taylen Green are similar passing prospects... but only one of them has all that other ridiculous athletic ability that can get him through the learning curve and add a lot to his offense's output.

Still think the QB class–in terms of "can this guy be a QB I can win a championship with or because of–shakes out like this:

Fernando Mendoza
Taylen Green
Cole Payton
Garrett Nussmeier
Ty Simpson
Drew Allar
The Field (as in a random guy from D2 could out perform everyone else on the list and not surprise me)

Taylen Green is your number 2?

Cole Payton your number 3?

"can this guy be a QB I can win a championship with or because of–"

I don't even rank guys who don't have that upside. Is the investment it will take worth it? Well, that answers your question of 'what round?'

And Green is a much, much better passer than you are describing. He was leading the SEC for a while there this season, despite a bad OL & undependable bad targets. You see shades of Pryor, I see shads of Randall Cunningham. BTW, Randall Cunningham had almost exactly the college career Taylen Green had... their stats are really similar. IF you have a plan for gettin him to play more like Randall Cunningham than Pryor, why the hell not. It's better than wasting a draft pick on under-pressure melters like Simpson or Beck


Just curious… what round would you be comfortable throwing a draft pick at one of these guys?

If he can catch, Green might be a decent receiver, or maybe if he learns to block and puts on a few pounds a TE, but just because he can run fast in a straight line and jump high, that doesn’t mean he will ever be an NFL QB. He’s a massive development QB project, and I see shades of Terrelle Pryor with him. He is everyone’s flavor of the month based on his over-the-top combine performance, but I remember Anthony Richardson being the same thing a few years ago. His processing stinks. His decision-making is not good. Did you see his Senior Bowl performance? Awful. His learning curve will be years, and it may never end. He has 59 TDs and 35 INTs in his college career, and a 60% completion rate. You think he’s worth a draft pick, but trading one away for someone like McKee is a waste? Interesting.

Payton is a 1-year starter in FBS, which is Division 1-AA. His stats are pretty good, but I wouldn’t draft him before the 7th round, unless McCarthy really likes him.

Ty Simpson is also a 1-year starter in the SEC, and his TD/INT is 28/5 and a 64% completion rate. And you have him at #5?


Hell, the way things are going in Minnesota, JJ McCarthy might be available for a 6th-7th rounder. He’s clearly on the outs there… looks like another Pickett situation. Kyler Murray will most likely be the starter there, so maybe kick the tires on a McCarthy trade if anyone thinks he’s franchise material.

The Steelers need a QB. I’m open to all options, including starting Howard if that’s the way the coaching staff wants to go. I just can’t get too excited over a kid who hasn’t thrown a single pass in the NFL, and I’m not excited about Rodgers. I saw that movie last season.

I don’t understand your thinking that trading for McKee is a scratch off lottery ticket, though. Compared to what? What in the hell are any of these guys in this year’s draft? Outside of Mendoza, they are all scratch off lottery tickets. And truth is, Mendoza may be also.