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Aaron Rodgers and Brock Purdy: Could a shocking Steelers-49ers trade be brewing?

Posted on March 25, 2025 - 1:26 am by

 

An unprecedented deal might send Rodgers to San Francisco via Pittsburgh.

Aaron Rodgers’ career seems far from over. Following his departure from the New York Jets, the 20-year NFL veteran has been linked to several teams, sparking speculation about his next move. Recently, an analyst floated a bold and unconventional scenario involving the Pittsburgh Steelers, the San Francisco 49ers, and rising star Brock Purdy.

Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets was, at best, tumultuous. After missing his first year with the team due to injury, the Super Bowl XLV champion led the Jets to a disappointing 5-12 record in his second season, leaving them in third place in the AFC East. The underwhelming performance prompted the Jets to part ways with the veteran quarterback.

Meanwhile, Purdy experienced a meteoric rise in his second NFL season, guiding the 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII. However, the euphoria was short-lived. The following year, the 49ers stumbled to a dismal 6-11 record, with Purdy delivering lackluster statistics. Now, a potential blockbuster deal could give Purdy a fresh start in Pennsylvania.

Rodgers to San Francisco via Pittsburgh

Analysts have explored nearly every possible scenario to keep Rodgers in the game. One option is for him to sign with the Steelers, who are still searching for a worthy successor to Ben Roethlisberger. However, Fansided analyst John Buhler argues that such a move would be a colossal misstep for Pittsburgh.

Instead, Buhler envisions a groundbreaking trade that, in theory, benefits all parties involved. In this hypothetical proposal, the 49ers would send Purdy to Pittsburgh in exchange for the Steelers’ first-round pick, giving San Francisco two selections in the opening round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With these additional assets, the 49ers could pursue one of two strategies. They might trade up to draft their next franchise quarterback, or they could sign Rodgers-a Northern California native-and use their two first-round picks to build a championship-caliber roster around him.

Too far-fetched?

Buhler acknowledges that his proposal might seem like a long shot. But, he also points out that Purdy, until this year, earned just $1 million annually under his rookie contract. However, that deal expires at the end of the season. To keep Purdy, the 49ers would need to negotiate a contract reportedly worth around $70 million.

Under Buhler’s theory, Pittsburgh could trade for Purdy this season, giving the young quarterback a chance to prove himself. If the move succeeds, the Steelers could negotiate a contract extension in 2026, if it doesn’t they could simply let Purdy hit free agency.

This scenario offers a fresh start for Purdy, a potential franchise quarterback for the Steelers, two valuable draft picks for the 49ers, and a potential NFL comeback for Rodgers.