Sports analyst Connor Orr has recommended that the Pittsburgh Steelers acquire Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee through a trade. This suggestion comes as the Steelers await a decision from Aaron Rodgers. Orr believes McKee offers high upside following the Eagles' acquisition of Andy Dalton.
The Pittsburgh Steelers face ongoing uncertainty at quarterback, with the team again waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide his future, similar to the previous year. Analyst Connor Orr, appearing on Sports Illustrated’s YouTube channel, proposed trading for Eagles backup Tanner McKee as an alternative. Orr stated, “The Eagles traded for Andy Dalton, and that made who expendable?” He highlighted McKee's potential, noting, “High upside, former late sixth, seventh-round pick out of Stanford, has played really well in certain situations. And they’ve been reluctant to trade him, but now they have Andy Dalton, probably less reluctant to trade him.” Orr suggested that if Mike McCarthy is in charge, he could pair McKee with options like Will Howard or Mason Rudolph, telling Rodgers, “I’ll give you until the end of the week... I’m not waiting anymore.” McKee, drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of 2023, has appeared in six games over the last two seasons, including two starts. He completed 54 of 88 passes for 597 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. At 26 years old this season, McKee remains relatively young. The Eagles obtained Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick; Dalton previously spent years with the Cincinnati Bengals. While Orr sees McKee as a fit for McCarthy, concerns include McKee's limited sample size. The Steelers aim to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026 and have expressed confidence in Will Howard, despite his inexperience. The team may continue patience with Rodgers as their top playoff option.
