Riddick: Steelers Trading For Justin Fields Would Absolutely Be Perfect Fit "It Would Work"

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation has been all the talk among fans and analysts. This is especially true since the hiring of new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith. The unexpected success that long-time backup Mason Rudolph experienced toward the end of the 2023 season only served to complicate matters. Now there is talk that the Steelers should just move on from Kenny Pickett and seek a quarterback via trade or free agency. This has led to a host of names being thrown about, including Ryan Tannehill, who played with Smith when they were both with the Tennessee Titans. But the new flavor of the week is Justin Fields. 

Fields was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and during his three years in the NFL, he has had three different offensive coordinators. Most analysts are quick to point out that Fields' talent has been squandered in Chicago. Now the Bears have the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft thanks to a trade they made with the Carolina Panthers and there is talk that they will not be able to pass up on quarterback Caleb Williams out of USC. 

Steelers Should Move On From Kenny Pickett And Take Justin Fields

Ever since NFL insider Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show that he could see Fields going to Pittsburgh, he added that Head Coach Mike Tomlin has always been a fan of the young, mobile quarterback since his days at Ohio State. Talk has heated up ever since.

On ESPN's show Get Up, the crew talked about Schefter's comments and how much Fields could bring to the Steelers. Host Mike Greenberg said he felt like Schefter's body language and "little smile" told him that Schefter actually knows something and there may be fire where there just appears to be smoke. He asked co-host Louis Riddick how he likes Fields in Pittsburgh.

"I like him a lot. Think of the effect that Arthur Smith had on Ryan Tannehill when Ryan Tannehill eventually took over from Marcus Mariota in Tennessee and Arthur was calling plays down there. The play-action game, with Justin under center, on first and second down, with the dynamic duo that they have at the running back position with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren - it is perfect," said Riddick.

Riddick goes on to say that he also sees Fields working well with the Steelers receivers, including Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and tight end Pat Freiermuth. He sees that offensive group as being able to get the best out of one another.    

When Smith was with the Titans, he managed to take an offense that couldn't get on the same page, a lot like Pittsburgh, and turn them into a team that was winning. Tannehill won NFL Comeback Player of the Year and ranked fifth in the NFL in passer rating (106.5). He was also tied for seventh in touchdowns with 33. Running back Derrick Henry was allowed to shine and led the league with 2,027 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. 

"Mike [Tomlin] wants to run a multiple type of offense. Letting the run game supplement what he can do as far as being a downfield play-action pass-oriented type of thrower, and then having designed runs put in there for him, especially in the red area. Remember how much of a problem Ryan Tannehill was in the red area as a runner/thrower? Think of the possibilities here with a guy who is infinitely more talented naturally than Ryan Tannehill," added Riddick.

While the Steelers felt they had found the quarterback of their future when they drafted Pickett, he has struggled with consistency in his first two seasons in the league. During his 25 career games, he has thrown 13 touchdowns, matched by a set of 13 interceptions. Smith told the media that he has faith that he is the right man to help Pickett turn his career around. Riddick, who has always been a big fan of Pickett since they both attended the University of Pittsburgh, said that the thought of having Fields in Pittsburgh is enough to make him switch his allegiance. 

"I don't want to ever put anybody in front of my boy Kenny Pickett, because Kenny's my guy, but Justin Fields is one of those dudes where I'm like, might have to put him in front of you, Kenny. Might have to go ahead and work with this because Justin in that offense, it would work."

The asking price for Fields may be part of the issue for the Steelers. There has been talk that he would be worth a second or third-round pick. Hopefully, the Bears aren't still smarting from the Chase Claypool trade and don't feel like we owe them one if the teams decide to negotiate. 

What do you think about the possibility of trading for Fields? Do you agree with Riddick that he is a better quarterback than Pickett? Click to comment below. 

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