Why the Steelers Might Want to Trade for 49ers QB Brock Purdy

The Steelers’ Quarterback Dilemma
The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in an all-too-familiar situation—without a clear answer at quarterback. After Russell Wilson signed with the New York Giants and Justin Fields joined the New York Jets, the Steelers’ depth chart looks bleak, with only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson remaining. Neither is considered a viable long-term solution.

While Pittsburgh could pursue a veteran like Aaron Rodgers, the front office doesn’t seem eager to take that route. That leaves them with limited options: either gamble on a rookie in a weak quarterback draft class or find a proven young player who can step in and lead the franchise.

A Chance to Fix a Costly Mistake
In hindsight, the Steelers may regret their decision in the 2022 NFL Draft. They selected Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall pick, making him the first quarterback taken that year. Pickett is now a backup quarterback on his third team in four seasons. Meanwhile, Brock Purdy—selected with the final pick in that same draft—has exceeded all expectations, leading the San Francisco 49ers to deep playoff runs and proving himself as one of the most efficient young quarterbacks in the league.

Now, the Steelers have a golden opportunity to correct their mistake. They could trade their first-round pick (No. 21 overall) to the 49ers in exchange for Purdy and secure a young, promising quarterback with legitimate starting experience.

Why the 49ers Might Be Willing to Move Purdy
At first glance, trading Purdy might seem like a crazy idea for the 49ers. He has been an excellent fit in Kyle Shanahan’s system, leading the team to multiple postseason appearances. However, San Francisco’s roster-building philosophy has been built around having a cheap quarterback, allowing them to allocate big money elsewhere.

Purdy’s rookie deal is set to expire soon, and he will likely demand a contract exceeding $50 million per year. The 49ers have historically avoided paying quarterbacks top-tier salaries, preferring instead to build a stacked roster around a cost-controlled signal-caller. If they stick to that approach, they may look to trade Purdy while his value is at its peak.

Potential Replacements for Purdy in San Francisco
If the 49ers decide to move on from Purdy, they have multiple alternatives.

One option is Shedeur Sanders. If he falls to the 11th pick, the 49ers could take him and immediately have a talented young quarterback on a rookie contract. Sanders might not be as polished as Purdy, but he would be far more affordable, giving the team financial flexibility to strengthen the roster.

Another possibility is signing Aaron Rodgers to a short-term deal. The 49ers could pair the future Hall of Famer with a dominant defense and offensive weapons like Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, making a strong push for a Super Bowl.

Mac Jones is also in the mix. Although he struggled with the New England Patriots, he has familiarity with Shanahan’s system and could serve as a bridge quarterback while the team grooms a young prospect.

Why the Steelers and 49ers Make Perfect Trade Partners
A deal between the Steelers and 49ers makes sense for both sides. Pittsburgh desperately needs a quarterback who can step in and start immediately, while San Francisco may not want to commit massive money to Purdy.

For the Steelers, Purdy offers a rare chance to acquire a proven young quarterback without the uncertainty of drafting a rookie. He has shown poise under pressure, an ability to win big games, and the leadership qualities needed to thrive in Pittsburgh.

For the 49ers, parting ways with Purdy would allow them to reset their quarterback situation while continuing to build an elite roster. If they can land a top prospect like Sanders or sign a veteran like Rodgers, they could maintain their status as Super Bowl contenders without committing to a massive contract.

Will the Steelers Make Their Move?
Trading for Brock Purdy would be a franchise-defining decision for the Steelers. It would give them a quarterback with playoff experience and long-term upside while providing the stability they’ve lacked since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.

The 49ers, on the other hand, must decide whether to break from their usual philosophy and pay Purdy or stick to their proven formula and trade him while his value is at its highest.

With both teams facing pivotal offseason decisions, this potential trade could reshape the landscape of the NFL. Now, all eyes are on San Francisco and Pittsburgh to see if they pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal.