PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t even played a single preseason game, but talks regarding their trade deadline plans have already developed.
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Of course, the only trade deadline moves that matter to the Steelers are the ones surrounding Aaron Rodgers. The team’s starting quarterback is in his final NFL season, according to the man himself, and the organization understandably wants to do anything it can to deliver him another Super Bowl victory.
But some believe it’s more likely to go completely off the rails. That’s what Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio proposed on a recent appearance on Pardon My Take. After 19 years of avoiding losing seasons, the Steelers might be staring down their first one in two decades under new head coach Mike McCarthy. If that happens, Florio believes the Steelers might try to move Rodgers to give him one more postseason run.
“There’s a chance this thing goes sideways,” he warned. “You get to the trade deadline, you can have Aaron Rodgers maybe asking to go somewhere that may need a quarterback. Some contender that may need a quarterback because ‘Get me the hell outta here, this is my last year. I want to have a chance to play into the postseason.'”
Could we see Aaron Rodgers be traded at the deadline if the Steelers season tanks? pic.twitter.com/txneoKW1RR
– Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) August 10, 2026
Would Steelers Consider Moving Rodgers?
The Steelers are undoubtedly focused on the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The way they are preparing for the year and moving through training camp, it’s clear that the belief within the organization is that they are a legitimate contender.
That belief isn’t shared around the NFL, however. And that’s what Florio points out during his appearance on PMT. He outlines the timeline he imagines the Steelers are working with, around Thanksgiving. By then, the team might be out of contention, and their hands might be tied.
“If we’re (the Steelers) not contending by Thanksgiving,” he stated. “Why do we want to play out the string with Aaron Rodgers?”
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That’s all fair and good, but does it align with the organization’s goals and plans? The obvious answer is no, as the Steelers have no plans to deal the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Instead, the team believes they can help get back to the Promised Land once more.
What Teams Would Want Rodgers?
If Rodgers does become available, what teams would have any interest? Florio proposes that a team that is in contention but in need of a quarterback would be the most likely option.
Realistically, what team fits that description? No team does, because no NFL team can contend without a competent starting quarterback. Injuries can change things, but right now there is no possible landing spot for Rodgers outside of Pittsburgh.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/steelers/onsi as Steelers Linked to Ridiculous QB Trade.
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This story was originally published August 12, 2026 at 4:00 AM.
