Steelers Could Target Saints QB Tanner McKee

Pittsburgh, PA – April 07, 2025, 12:17 AM PDT

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly considering a trade for New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Tanner McKee, a move that could reshape their quarterback room. Sources told ESPN on Sunday that the Steelers see the 24-year-old as a potential long-term solution at the position.

McKee, a 2023 sixth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, was traded to the Saints on April 5, 2025, in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick. Initially the QB3 in Philly behind Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett, McKee now serves as the QB2 behind Derek Carr in New Orleans, but his future remains uncertain.

During the 2024 season with the Eagles, McKee showcased his potential in limited action, completing 30-of-45 passes for 323 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions across 89 snaps. His standout performance came in a Week 18 victory over the New York Giants, where he threw for 269 yards and 2 TDs, leading a 20-13 win that highlighted his poise and accuracy.

The Steelers’ interest stems from their ongoing quarterback struggles after a disappointing 2024 season, where they finished with four straight losses despite making the playoffs. Russell Wilson, who threw for 1,485 yards, 10 TDs, and 5 INTs in 8 games, and Justin Fields, with a 4-6 record as a starter, are not viewed as long-term answers for a team craving stability.

McKee’s affordable rookie contract, at just $1 million per year with two years remaining, makes him an attractive target for Pittsburgh. His youth, combined with a 117.2 QB rating in 2024, offers the Steelers a chance to develop a potential franchise QB without breaking the bank.

Steelers fans on X are buzzing with optimism about the possibility. “McKee could be our future—let’s get him!” one fan posted, while another wrote, “His 4 TDs and 0 INTs in 2024 are promising!” With the draft approaching, Pittsburgh may act swiftly to secure McKee before other teams make their move.