The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently preparing for the 2025 season with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Will Howard competing for the starting quarterback role, despite their combined total of only 21 NFL starts. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers’ decision about continuing his career remains unsettled, leaving the Steelers in a challenging position as they cannot wait indefinitely for clarity on the veteran quarterback’s future.

This uncertainty has opened the door for alternative strategies, including exploring a trade with the Tennessee Titans for quarterback Will Levis. With no established recent starter available in free agency, the Steelers might focus on potential rather than proven performance as they seek a long-term solution under center.

Potential Levis Trade Seen as a Strategic Move for Steelers’ Quarterback Depth

Will Levis, a former Titans second-round draft pick, has shown flashes of promise but ultimately has not lived up to expectations, especially with the Titans recently investing their No. 1 overall pick on Cam Ward. Despite this setback for Levis in Tennessee, his strong arm and mobility still make him a player of interest to teams like Pittsburgh.

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report suggested the Steelers should offer a fourth-round pick for Levis regardless of Aaron Rodgers’ final decision. Rodgers, who will turn 42 in December, may only continue playing on a year-to-year basis, whereas Levis still has two years remaining on his rookie contract, providing potential stability.

“Regardless of Aaron Rodgers’ decision to play for the Steelers or retire, Pittsburgh should offer a fourth-round pick for Levis,”

—Moe Moton, Bleacher Report

Moton’s reasoning highlights that if the Steelers have a mediocre 2025 season and Rodgers departs after one year, the team would have a more experienced young quarterback in Levis to build around. This contrasts with Mason Rudolph’s seven-season career, where he has mostly been regarded as a game manager rather than a dynamic starter.

“If the Steelers finish the 2025 season with a mediocre record and Rodgers only sticks around for one year, they would at least have an experienced young starter in Levis, whom they can develop for the long term. In seven seasons, Mason Rudolph has been a game manager. At 25, Levis, with his big arm and mobility, has far more upside.”

—Moe Moton, Bleacher Report

Implications for Steelers and Titans Moving Forward

The possible trade for Will Levis represents the Steelers’ attempt to secure a quarterback with upside amid Rodgers’ uncertain status. While Levis struggled to secure a starting role in Tennessee, a fresh start in Pittsburgh could offer him opportunities to develop and contribute meaningfully. For a fourth-round draft pick, acquiring a quarterback with two years left on his rookie deal may be a low-risk move with long-term rewards.

For the Titans, a trade of Levis would signal a continued commitment to their new first overall pick, Cam Ward, while allowing them to gain additional draft capital. Meanwhile, the Steelers must balance patience with Rodgers against the practical need for quarterback stability as they look ahead to 2025 and beyond.