The NFL trade winds are swirling again, and this time, a surprising three-team proposal involving the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Pittsburgh Steelers has stirred excitement and speculation across the league. According to sources speaking to ESPN on Friday, the Lions have initiated talks about a deal that would ultimately send Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee to the Steelers—a move that could have ripple effects across the NFC and AFC landscapes.
McKee, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has quietly turned heads with his poise and efficiency during limited action for the Eagles. In the 2024 season, he threw for 323 yards, completed four touchdown passes, and avoided interceptions entirely. His breakout moment came in a matchup against the New York Giants, where he posted 269 yards and two touchdowns—showcasing a calm demeanor and sharp decision-making under pressure.
Despite being buried on the Eagles’ depth chart behind Jalen Hurts, McKee has made a compelling case for a larger role elsewhere. With the Steelers desperately seeking a long-term solution at quarterback after a frustrating end to their 2024 campaign—marked by four consecutive losses despite a playoff appearance—the 23-year-old signal-caller could be the spark they’ve been missing. Pittsburgh’s current quarterback situation, featuring Russell Wilshere and Jürgen Fields, has produced more questions than answers, as both have struggled to perform consistently.
Under the terms of the proposed trade, Detroit would first acquire McKee from Philadelphia in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. Then, the Lions would flip McKee to Pittsburgh in return for a 2025 third-round pick and outside linebacker Nick Herbig. The Lions’ motive? Strengthening their defensive edge with the addition of Herbig, a young pass rusher with significant upside.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, stands to gain valuable draft capital in the deal. With a fourth-round selection from Detroit, they could target reinforcements along the offensive line or address future depth concerns at linebacker or tight end. More importantly, moving McKee opens up flexibility on the roster and avoids a potential quarterback controversy in a locker room already anchored by a franchise star in Hurts.
While some Eagles fans might question letting go of a promising quarterback, general manager Howie Roseman has historically been unafraid to make bold moves when there’s long-term upside involved. Roseman’s knack for leveraging draft assets and building roster depth could ultimately make this a savvy play, especially considering the unpredictability of mid-to-late round quarterbacks turning into stars.
For the Steelers, acquiring McKee would be more than just a gamble—it would be a statement of intent. A quarterback rating of 156.2 in his NFL debut, combined with impressive composure under pressure, makes McKee a tantalizing option to take the reins of an offense that has struggled to find an identity. Pittsburgh has long been known for its rugged, defensive style of play, but as the modern NFL continues to pivot toward high-powered offenses, the need for a dynamic quarterback has never been more urgent.
Steelers fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have already begun rallying behind the idea. One post from @SteelersNation read, “McKee as QB1? He’s got the upside!” Another fan, @PittsburghFan, chimed in with, “Herbig for a QB upgrade—I’m in!” The buzz highlights just how ready the fan base is for a new direction, and McKee’s youth, arm talent, and mental fortitude may be the perfect ingredients.
Nick Herbig, on the other hand, brings value in his own right. A high-motor edge rusher with versatility, he’s flashed potential in limited snaps for the Steelers. But with Pittsburgh’s depth at linebacker and pass rusher, they may view him as an expendable piece if it means upgrading at quarterback. For Detroit, who is firmly in win-now mode with Jared Goff under center, the addition of Herbig adds further teeth to an already aggressive defense.
Ultimately, this proposed deal—while still in the rumor stage—reflects a rare intersection of need and opportunity for all three franchises. The Lions get the defensive reinforcement they desire, the Eagles gain strategic draft capital, and the Steelers may finally find a young quarterback with real starting potential.
As the NFL Draft approaches and teams fine-tune their rosters, this potential blockbuster could come to define the offseason for three organizations on very different trajectories. Whether McKee becomes the next breakout quarterback or just another “what could have been” remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the league is watching, and the next move could set off a chain reaction that reshapes quarterback dynamics heading into the 2025 season.
