Report: Steelers' Possible Trade Target Justin Fields Has Specific Team "Emerging" As Favorite To Land Him

The Pittsburgh Steelers are operating in the shadows as the 2024 offseason really kicks off and new league year approaches. They haven't been shy about releasing certain players, but any contract restructures, re-signings or possible trades have yet to really emerge. They have cleared some cap space, but other than that, will be down at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine with 31 other teams. That leads one to believe that some movement could happen at any moment, specifically with the quarterback position. If Pittsburgh is eyeing a signal-caller via trade, the combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is the perfect place to figure something out.

One name that has consistently been brought up is Chicago Bears' 2021 first-round pick, Justin Fields. The quarterback is likely on his way out if General Manager Ryan Poles is set on taking either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye with the first overall pick in 2024. The Steelers have their own quarterback questions, which is why they have been linked to Fields since a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills.

While Fields would almost certainly be an upgrade over Kenny Pickett, and probably a re-signed Mason Rudolph as well, the possibility of him coming to the Steel City appears to be trending in a different direction. In a recent report from NBC Sports Chicago Bears' insider Josh Schrock, a team in the NFC is quickly becoming the favorite to land the quarterback via trade.

"One team that has always seemed like a logical next home for Fields might be positioning themselves as the leader of a small pack in the Fields trade sweepstakes -- the Atlanta Falcons," Schrock wrote.

Schrock, who has some knowledge of what goes on inside Chicago's building connected several dots between the Bears' recent words regarding Fields and what the Atlanta Falcons' camp has been saying. A deal of this magnitude would have the Steelers swiftly acting to re-sign Mason Rudolph before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, even though that may have always been the plan.

Per Schrock, it's more than just a need at the quarterback position that makes Atlanta an attractive destination for Fields. It also would allow him to play in his hometown's state. New Falcons' Head Coach Raheem Morris touched on what he's looking for at the position when he spoke to reporters in Indianapolis.

"Morris mentioning the "best fit" for the city made ears perk up everywhere, and people immediately started to connect the dots to Fields, who is from Kennesaw, Georgia," Schrock wrote.

There hasn't been any legitimate reason to believe Pittsburgh was desperate to go after Fields, but there aren't many teams that make sense for him given the quarterback situations in the NFL. What's most interesting is if it were to end up being between the Steelers and Falcons, Poles could pull an Omar Khan on Khan himself.

It was reported in 2022 that the Green Bay Packers were interested in trading for wide receiver Chase Claypool. Khan knew that the Bears would have a more attractive pick in the second round, so he dealt the disgruntled pass catcher to Chicago.

Poles may have the option to do the same thing with the Falcons in regards to Fields. There is little to no chance that the Steelers give up a first-round pick for the quarterback. Atlanta has the 43rd overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, while Pittsburgh sits at 51st. If the ask is a second-rounder, it almost makes no sense for the Bears to entertain an offer from the Steelers unless it's tempting on the back end with picks, or potentially players.

Falcons' General Manager Terry Fontenot also spoke to reporters and Schrock noted that he spoke about specific traits that Fields has been known for during his time in the Windy City.

"When asked about what he's looking for in a franchise quarterback, Fontenot seemed to point to the things the Bears have praised Fields for during his time in Chicago -- resilience and leadership."

Schrock is connecting a lot of dots, and it's hard to say that he's not right to report that the top trade destination for Fields is with the Falcons. The insider is close enough to the team for his report to hold a ton of weight.

Steelers Could Target Veteran Free Agent To Be Starting Quarterback In 2024

The most likely scenario still remains a quarterback room of Pickett, Rudolph and a late-round draft selection. However, Russell Wilson is going to be released by the Denver Broncos at some point and there's a strong chance he signs somewhere for the league minimum. It's not out of the question for Khan to pick up the phone and call him to play for the Steel City.

What do you want to see the Steelers do at quarterback? Let us know in the comments below!

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