Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been waiting anxiously for General Manager Omar Khan's press conference at the 2024 NFL Combine. They are curious to hear the team's plans for filling the holes on the roster and how they are going to shore up weak areas, but the topic most want to hear about is quarterback. The Steelers didn't expect to be in a quarterback quandary this offseason, but here we are.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett.
Fans should not have been surprised when Khan's response almost left more questions than answers. The Steelers organization is masterful at not giving away too much, without directly denying anything either. This made his answer about the potential trade between the Steelers and the Chicago Bears for quarterback Justin Fields, not that shocking.
The Bears have found themselves in possession of the number one draft pick in 2024 and they are expected to take a new quarterback after three underwhelming seasons with Fields. For weeks now, social media has been filled with videos of every analyst and NFL media outlet speculating about a trade and discussing how Fields would fit in Pittsburgh. That led Mark Kaboly, a reporter for The Athletic, via video from fellow Athletic reporter Mike DeFabo, to ask the question that everyone is anticipating, will the Steelers trade for Fields?
"I'm not going to go into details about the conversations that we've had, but like I mentioned earlier, I can tell you that I've got an obligation to look at every avenue that's out there to try to make us a better football team," answered Khan.
When Kaboly pushed further asking about Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson, or any of the other quarterbacks rumored to go to the Steelers, Khan said "Same answer." But that sounds like there might have been talks with the Bears and he was asked for clarification if there were discussions and he was similarly vague.
"I'm not going to get into any detailed conversations," repeated Khan.
Khan has said the team has faith in Kenny Pickett, who is entering his third season with the team, but with the release of Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph's uncertain future, they will definitely need to pick up at least one more quarterback for depth.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.
The Steelers And Justin Fields Make Sense On Paper
Fields has a similar situation to Pickett's with a lack of proper coaching during his first few seasons. He suffered through multiple offensive coordinators and many believe that stunted his development. He is widely considered to be the best running quarterback in the NFL next to Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson. During his time at Ohio State, Fields was known to make plays with his legs. The new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's offense would be good for someone like Fields, giving him time to build confidence, while they implement a strong run game.
AP
Steelers have a chance to obtain Justin Fields in the 2024 offseason.
For his part, Fields has said that he would like to stay in Chicago. While Khan is saying that Pickett will have competition, it is hard to imagine that Fields wants to go anywhere where he might not be the starting quarterback.
What do you think about Khan's comment? Do you think Fields will come to Pittsburgh? Click to comment below.
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