Nick Herbig has been one of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ more underrated players in recent years. Originally a 2023 fourth-round pick, Herbig has developed into a great pass rusher. While he’s been limited to only 11 starts in his three seasons, he still has 16 sacks, including 7.5 last year. Now, Herbig is entering the final year of his contract, and he’ll likely be looking for more money and playing time. The Steelers might not be able to do that, so ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested that they trade him for Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee.

“If you need a Tanner McKee and you knew someone who obsesses over edge rushing talent, would you not call the Eagles and say, ‘Nick Herbig, Tanner McKee, two guys on rookie deals.’

“‘You get a cost control player for another year who had phenomenal pass rushing numbers and we get our quarterback of the future,’” Barnwell said recently on the NFL Daily podcast. “Does that not seem like a scratch my back, I scratch yours situation?”

That wouldn’t be a good deal for the Steelers, unless the Eagles send them significant draft compensation as well. McKee on his own isn’t worth Herbig.

McKee was a 2023 sixth-round pick by the Eagles. He hasn’t proven much in his career, either. He’s appeared in six games with only two starts. While his starts are good, throwing for 597 yards, five touchdowns, and only one interception, it’s far too limited of a sample size to say that he could be the Steelers’ quarterback of the future.

Also, the Eagles’ offense has a lot of pieces that likely helped McKee. Saquon Barkley, A.J.  Brown, and DeVonta Smith make up a great group of skill players. The Eagles’ offensive line has been one of the NFL’s best over the last few years, too. McKee might struggle more with lesser pieces around him.

Barnwell seems to understand the discrepancy in value between McKee and Herbig, though. However, he believes that positional value makes it a worthy deal for the Steelers.

“It’s not about the savings as much as it is getting pieces that you need that you don’t have access to. That’s why I feel like McKee would make sense as a potential Herbig trade alternative… He’s a quarterback and you need those.”

That still isn’t a good enough reason to trade Herbig for only McKee. Yes, the Steelers need a quarterback, but what makes McKee the answer? The Steelers would be just as well off if they start Will Howard. McKee hasn’t done anything in his career to prove that he can be a franchise quarterback.

Meanwhile, Herbig is a promising young edge rusher. If the Steelers trade him, they could do better than a former sixth-round pick that’s only been a backup. Barnwell’s suggestion makes little sense.