Injury Opens Door for Steelers QB Trade

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have a slight issue to resolve before the NFL-mandated roster cutdown day. When that deadline hits, the team’s 53-man roster must be submitted and all other plays released or placed on some sort of injury list.

One of the problems for the Steelers is they have four quarterbacks they love. Starting QB Aaron Rodgers and returning backup Mason Rudolph are locks to make the roster, but the team will carry three to open the season. The final spot is a difficult choice between rookie Will Howard and newcomer Skylar Thompson. Both have been impressive, but an injury to Howard opened the door for Thompson to show out. He’s taken the opportunity and ran with it, leaving the Steelers with a difficult unanticipated decision.

An unfortunate injury suffered by a Las Vegas Raiders quarterback might provide a potential solution for the Steelers’ problem, allowing for the team to unload Thompson for assets and keep their prized rookie on the 53-man roster.

Football player in white uniform throws the ball — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (17) throws the ball during the second quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Raiders’ backup quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, fractured his wrist in the team’s final preseason game. The injury will keep him out long-term, leaving the team with no trusted backup to veteran starter Geno Smith.

The Steelers have a QB who might just be ready for a full-time backup role after his impressive preseason. Over three appearances this preseason, Thompson has been electric. He’s gone 41 for 56 passing, picking up 498 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Needing a roster spot and some transaction to clear out a quarterback, trading Thompson to the Raiders for a late-round pick would be the perfect way to figure out this roster conundrum.

The big question would be if the Raiders are willing to make a deal. They are a team desperately in need for quarterback depth, leaving them very little leverage in the trade market. However, there are several organizations with backup quarterbacks that might be available for trade. There are also a small handful of free agent quarterbacks who could fill out the roster while the Raiders await O’Connell’s return.

It wouldn’t be a shock if the Steelers general manager Omar Khan hadn’t already spoken with the Raiders. Khan is one of the most tuned in GMs in the NFL, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Khan had already put feelers out on what the Raiders are looking for in the wake of this injury news.

If the Steelers are able to swing a deal, it would be an incredible return on investment. The organization brought Thompson in earlier this year to provide depth to the quarterback room and fill out the competition for training camp. The expectation was not for him to force his way onto the 53-man roster, especially after drafting Howard. That’s the sticky situation the Steelers face now, but an injury and potential trade may solve this particular issue.

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