NFL NEWS: Pittsburgh Steelers Are Officially Finalizing the Trading of Arizona Cardinals Star Quarterback on a Lucrative 3-Year, $105.8 Million Deal
In a move that has taken the NFL world by surprise, the Pittsburgh Steelers are finalizing a deal to acquire Arizona Cardinals star quarterback in what will be a landmark trade for both franchises. According to reports, the Steelers will be securing the services of the Cardinals’ quarterback on a lucrative 3-year contract extension worth $105.8 million. In exchange, the Arizona Cardinals will receive $10 million in cash, as well as valuable draft capital in the form of a 2026 third-round pick and the Steelers’ 2028 10th overall pick. This trade marks a major shake-up for both teams, with significant implications for their future and immediate aspirations.
The Context Behind the Trade
The Arizona Cardinals have been in a phase of transition over the past few seasons, attempting to rework their roster and build a team that could compete in the tough NFC West. While the team has featured talented players such as safety Budda Baker and pass rusher Josh Sweat, quarterback has been a position of both promise and turmoil. Arizona’s decision to move on from their star quarterback—whose identity has yet to be confirmed—speaks to a broader strategic shift under the leadership of general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been in search of a franchise quarterback who can lead the team back to Super Bowl contention. After a few seasons of steady but unspectacular play from their current quarterback, the Steelers’ brass, including head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan, decided to pull the trigger on a bold move to acquire the QB talent they’ve been seeking. With the Steelers traditionally having one of the most stable and respected franchises in the NFL, they hope that this trade will be the missing piece to elevate their offense.
The Financials: A Lucrative Deal for the Quarterback
The deal between the Steelers and Cardinals is one of the most lucrative quarterback trades in recent NFL history. The 3-year, $105.8 million contract extension will pay the quarterback an average of approximately $35.3 million per year. This type of deal places the player among the league’s top earners and indicates that Pittsburgh is fully committed to building their offense around him.
The hefty price tag comes with high expectations, as the Steelers are banking on the new quarterback to provide immediate results. The quarterback will likely step into a starting role immediately, and his ability to execute the offensive scheme will play a pivotal role in the Steelers’ playoff aspirations.
For the player, this move represents a significant career opportunity. Trading from Arizona to Pittsburgh will not only provide him with financial security but also the chance to play for one of the most respected franchises in the NFL, which has a rich tradition of success. The Steelers’ offensive system, under coordinator Matt Canada, has not been as dynamic as some would like, but with a top-tier quarterback under center, they are hoping to transform into a more explosive unit.
What the Cardinals Are Receiving in Return
While the trade is undoubtedly a big loss for the Cardinals in terms of talent, the return package has the potential to set them up well for the future. The $10 million in cash could provide the team with more flexibility in their salary cap for future moves, and the draft picks are an intriguing prospect for a team that is in the midst of a rebuild.
2026 3rd Round Pick
The 2026 third-round pick is significant because it gives the Cardinals an opportunity to find a quality player in the middle rounds of the draft. While third-round picks are often not expected to have the same immediate impact as first-round selections, they can still provide valuable contributors to the team. Arizona will likely target a young quarterback in the draft, and this pick could help them move up in the rankings or find the right talent to develop.
2028 10th Overall Pick
The real jewel of this trade for the Cardinals is the 2028 10th overall pick. This pick represents a major asset, as a top-10 selection in the NFL draft can significantly alter the trajectory of a franchise. Whether the Cardinals use this pick to select a quarterback, offensive lineman, or another key position, it gives them the flexibility to shape their roster with the future in mind.
Given the relatively long timeline to the 2028 draft, the Cardinals will have ample time to plan and scout for the best available prospects. By securing this valuable pick, Arizona positions itself for a potential future rebuild, focusing on high-quality draft selections that could provide the foundation for a championship-caliber team.
The Steelers’ Quarterback Situation: A New Era Begins
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their strong defense, a hallmark that has led them to multiple Super Bowl appearances and championships. However, in recent years, the team’s offense has struggled to find consistent production, particularly at the quarterback position. While the Steelers have had competent quarterbacks such as Ben Roethlisberger and, more recently, Kenny Pickett, they have not had the high-end play at quarterback that other teams with championship aspirations have enjoyed.
By acquiring the Arizona Cardinals’ star quarterback, the Steelers are not just improving their quarterback position—they are signaling their intent to contend for championships. A top-tier quarterback can elevate the play of the entire offense, from the wide receivers to the offensive line. The move gives the Steelers a player capable of making big-time throws in crucial moments, something that has been missing in recent seasons.
For the Steelers, this trade represents an all-in move. The 3-year deal makes it clear that the team views this as a short-term push to maximize their window of contention. The hope is that the new quarterback will be able to develop chemistry with playmakers like wide receiver Diontae Johnson and running back Najee Harris, while also improving the team’s ability to score points on a consistent basis. With an elite quarterback, the Steelers’ defense—which has always been formidable—will only be further bolstered, as they will no longer be tasked with carrying the team offensively.
Arizona’s Future: A Quarterback Search on the Horizon
For the Arizona Cardinals, this trade signals the beginning of a new era, one where they will likely look to identify their next franchise quarterback. The team now has the financial flexibility and draft capital to target a young signal-caller in the upcoming drafts, or perhaps make a move in free agency or via trade. While the loss of a star quarterback is a significant blow, the long-term benefits of the trade could far outweigh the short-term loss.
The Cardinals will likely lean into a rebuild, using the draft to shore up key positions and build the team for the future. They may even look to select a quarterback in the 2026 or 2027 draft class, where the talent pool is expected to be rich with young quarterbacks. By starting over and investing in the future, the Cardinals could set themselves up for success in the long run.
The Future for Both Teams
The trade has major implications for both teams moving forward. The Pittsburgh Steelers are now a team to watch closely in the AFC, with their offense poised to become significantly more potent with the addition of a star quarterback. With their already strong defense, the Steelers could be a serious contender for the Super Bowl in the coming years.
For the Arizona Cardinals, this trade marks the start of a potentially lengthy rebuilding process. The team will look to make the most of their draft picks, particularly the coveted 2028 10th overall pick, as they search for their next franchise quarterback. While the trade might be viewed as a short-term setback, it could prove to be a wise decision in the long run if Arizona can rebuild properly.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ trade for Arizona Cardinals’ star quarterback is one of the most intriguing moves of the offseason. Both teams are making bold moves in their respective pursuits of success, and the full impact of this deal will be felt in the coming seasons. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, this trade will be remembered as a turning point for both the Steelers and the Cardinals. The next few years will be critical for both franchises as they aim to build their future with their new assets in place.