Report: Steelers Currently Have No Serious Interest In Trading For Dynamic Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a spot where no NFL franchise wants to be in 2024. The quarterback position is more crucial than ever and entering the new league year, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett remains the only one on the roster. The team is expected to try and re-sign Mason Rudolph after the signal-caller's strong stretch in relief at the end of 2023, but murmurs have continued about General Manager Omar Khan making a splash at the position. No one is quite sure which direction the organization will go, but it seems as if it's going to be a typical "Steelers Way" move.

As the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine took place in the final week of February and into the first week of March, general managers from around the league were in Indianapolis. That allowed reporters from everywhere to keep their ears to the ground and listen for any potential moves that could be transpiring. According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Steelers aren't just not in the running for Justin Fields, but none of the big-name quarterbacks.

"Pittsburgh is not among the teams actively working to trade for Fields, league sources told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. Pittsburgh is also not pursuing Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield in free agency, according to league sources."

Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield never really seemed reasonable, but Fields was a guy that fans were loving hearing about. Another name that has come up is Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson. He is expected to be released by the Denver Broncos and have the option to join a team by signing for the league minimum. That doesn't seem like it's going to happen, either.

"The Steelers are not interested in signing Wilson in the likely event he’s released by the Denver Broncos, a source familiar with the coaching staff’s feelings on the quarterback at this stage of his career told The Athletic."

Pittsburgh is almost certain to draft a quarterback, but free agency occurs first. If Rudolph moves on to a different city, fans can expect the Steelers to go with the simple move of bringing in a guy like Ryan Tannehill for a year or two.

Most of the national media will paint a picture of Wilson or Fields wearing the black and gold, but at this point, it seems like Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the organization are set on doing right by Pickett with a legitimate offensive play-caller in Arthur Smith. The third year for Pickett will determine everything, as the Steelers will have decide whether or not to pick up his fifth-year option for 2026 in the 2025 offseason.

There is going to be a heavy dose of running the football with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, so the quarterback in 2024 won't be asked to overcomplicate things. This is where Pickett could shine if the play-action is utilized. He needs to be better in the pocket, but Smith's system could be designed in a way that benefits Pickett and helps him become a top-tier quarterback. The two reportedly met in Florida recently and had a great meeting.

Time will tell as the new league year rapidly approaches. A deal involved with Fields is likely to commence within the next seven days or so. It seems as if Khan, Tomlin, Smith and co. are pretty set on giving Pickett one final season to prove he should be the quarterback of the future in the Steel City.

Steelers Likely To Eye Mid-To-Late Round Quarterback Prospect In 2024 NFL Draft

Pittsburgh drafted Chris Oladokun the same year that Pickett was brought in, but in the seventh round. A similar approach to finding another quarterback for the roster could be taken in 2024. Guys like Sam Hartman, Taulia Tagovailoa, Jordan Travis and Spencer Rattler could all potentially be in play on day 3. For now, it seems like the room will look like Pickett, Rudolph/Tannehill/veteran backup and a draft pick.

Do you think the Steelers are making a mistake by not actively trying to trade for Fields? Let us know in the comments below!

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