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The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade to acquire star quarterback Joe Burrow from their AFC North rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. While a deal seems unlikely, former Steelers linebacker James Harrison has publicly pitched Burrow on the idea of joining Pittsburgh. Any potential trade would likely require the Steelers to give up multiple first-round picks, including an ‘AFC North tax’ premium, in order to pry Burrow away from the Bengals.
Why it matters
The Steelers are in need of a long-term solution at quarterback after the retirement of Aaron Rodgers. Acquiring the young and talented Burrow could give them a franchise QB for the next decade, but the cost would be extremely high and an in-division trade is rare. This potential move speaks to the Steelers’ desperation at the position and their willingness to make a bold play for an elite signal-caller.
The details
According to reports, the Steelers would likely need to offer the Bengals a package of at least three first-round picks, plus an additional second or third-round selection, in order to have a chance at acquiring Burrow. The ‘AFC North tax’ would drive up the price tag significantly, as the Bengals would be extremely reluctant to trade their star QB to a division rival. While the Steelers have the offensive weapons and defensive core to potentially make a Super Bowl run with Burrow, giving up so many high draft picks could hamper their long-term roster-building efforts.
The Steelers are currently waiting to hear back from 42-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers on whether he will join the team.Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison recently made a public pitch to Burrow to come to Pittsburgh.
The players
Joe Burrow
The star quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who was the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and has led the team to the playoffs in two of his first three seasons.
James Harrison
A former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers who played for the team from 2002 to 2017, making five Pro Bowls and winning two Super Bowls.
The 42-year-old quarterback who is currently a free agent after retiring from the Green Bay Packers, and who the Steelers are hoping will join their team.
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What they’re saying
“Come to Pittsburgh, Joe. We need you.”
— James Harrison, Former Steelers Linebacker
What’s next
The Steelers will continue to wait on a decision from Aaron Rodgers, but if he declines to join the team, they may ramp up their pursuit of a trade for Joe Burrow, though the price tag would be extremely high.
The takeaway
The Steelers’ reported interest in trading for Joe Burrow highlights their desperation to find a long-term solution at quarterback, but acquiring the Bengals’ star signal-caller would come at an enormous cost in draft capital that could hamper the team’s roster-building efforts for years to come.