The Pittsburgh Steelers have been listed as a top landing spot for Chicago Bears quarterback, Justin Fields, for weeks now. In his press conference at the 2024 NFL Combine, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan didn't close the door on talks of a trade for Fields as many expected. Instead, he said that he would not get into the specifics of the conversations, which sounded like conversations were had. Now the Steelers are being listed as one of three teams who are legitimate contenders.
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The Steelers will have an opportunity to trade for Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields (1).
Pittsburgh is in an unexpected quarterback situation with Kenny Pickett, who is entering his third year in the league, not progressing as well as fans would've hoped. At the end of the 2023 season, Pickett was essentially benched upon return from an injury in favor of third-string quarterback, Mason Rudolph, who was able to help the team make the playoffs, and save Head Coach Mike Tomlin's non-losing season streak.
Steelers Are A Top Landing Spot For Justin Fields
A report by Tyler Dragon from USA Today noted that the Bears executives have said they want to do right by Fields and ensure he is in the best possible situation. The Bears have the number one pick in the draft and are expected to use it on a new quarterback, which makes Fields expendable for trade. According to Dragon, they were alerted that three teams are interested in Fields.
"A person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports that the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders have expressed some level of interest in Fields," wrote Dragon.
Dragon said that with Pickett as the only quarterback under contract as of now for 2024, the team has to search for some other options. He sees Fields as a natural fit in Pittsburgh.
"The Steelers hired former ex-Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator. Smith has familiarity coaching mobile quarterbacks. When Smith was the Titans offensive coordinator, he coached Ryan Tannehill to his lone Pro Bowl season, and Tannehill set a career-high in rushing TDs in 2020 (seven). Fields' 82.3 career passer rating is more superior than Pickett's 78.8 career passer rating. Fields would also bring a rushing element at QB," wrote Dragon.
Pickett has struggled during his two seasons in Pittsburgh. He started a few weeks into his rookie season as journeyman Mitch Trubisky was unable to win games consistently enough for the franchise. Unfortunately, Pickett has been inconsistent as well.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) has to rely on those around him in order to find success when filling in for Kenny Pickett.
During his end-of-the-year press conference, Dragon pointed out that Tomlin said that he is planning to have competition at the quarterback position in 2024.
"Pittsburgh had the worst offense in the AFC North last season and ranked 28th in the NFL in scoring," continued Dragon. "Fields' mobility and ability to create off-script plays would work well in Smith's offense. The threat of Fields running would also open the field up more for pass catchers Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth."
The Steelers receiving corps were very vocal about their frustrations last season. Some analysts have said that Pickett seems to have issues reading the field and finding open receivers, or that he panics when he feels pressure.
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