The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an uncharacteristic offseason in 2024, cutting ties with the weak links on the roster, while simultaneously improving at positions of need. They addressed two of their biggest needs defensively by signing Patrick Queen to the biggest free agent contract the organization has ever given out, and also acquiring Donte Jackson in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. They have also constructed one of the best quarterback rooms in the league by signing Russell Wilson to a cheap contract, and trading a conditional late round pick in 2025 for Justin Fields.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands on the field prior to a professional football game in Pittsburgh, PA.
The biggest question of the 2024 NFL offseason revolved around what the Chicago Bears were going to do with Fields and the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It was obvious they were planning on drafting a rookie quarterback and wanted to move on from Fields. Throughout the offseason, many teams were considered potential suitors for Fields, but ultimately chose to come to Pittsburgh in a deal that didn't produce a lot of value for Chicago. Due to the low price tag, and the high upside Fields has as a quarterback, the move was ranked as the best move in the 2024 offseason by CBS Sports.
"This is the definition of a low-risk, high-reward bet, and the potential reward is so high at such a vital position that it's hard not to give the Steelers credit, even if their pivot from Kenny Pickett to Russell Wilson felt uncharacteristically hurried. Is it possible both Wilson and Fields are not viable long-term starters? Sure. But Fields has already proven to have NFL-caliber electricity, is still just 25, and at least stylistically fits into the run-first model they've so long prioritized."
Wilson is only under contract with the Steelers through the 2024 season, and the Steelers have an important decision looming about Fields' fifth-year option which they need to decide on by May 2nd. It is extremely likely General Manager Omar Khan and the Steelers decline Fields' option, and only have both contracts on the books for the 2024 season. If neither option at quarterback works out for Pittsburgh, they would need to reset the quarterback room once again following the 2024 season.
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Justin Fields donning a visor during his time as quarterback for the Chicago Bears
Regardless of the move being a gamble for the Steelers, it was too good of a deal to pass up on the promising, young quarterback. Wilson is expected to be the starter going into the 2024 season, but Fields will certainly be right on his heels, especially if Wilson begins to struggle. The Bears initially were asking for a second or third round pick in exchange for Fields at the start of the 2024 offseason, but his market wasn't large enough to gain that much of a return. This is another reason the move was considered the best in the league.
"To get him in exchange for a conditional late-round pick is absurd value, even if he fizzles out or stays seated behind Wilson. In other words, the Steelers may well need another quarterback reset after 2024, but for now, they've at least made a real play for developmental dynamism, and they barely had to pay anything to do it."
In the deal for Fields, Pittsburgh gave Chicago a conditional sixth round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Fields plays over half the offensive snaps for Pittsburgh this year, the pick moves up to the fourth round. Fields will either stay seated behind Wilson in 2024 and soak up all of the knowledge possible from the experienced, and successful, veteran, or he will step into the starting role. Either way, the deal is the definition of low-risk, high-reward for Pittsburgh.
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Former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (#3) scrambles out of the pocket during a professional football game.
Steelers Are Not Having An Open Quarterback Competition During Training Camp
When Pittsburgh initially made the trade for Fields, Wilson was still considered the starter. When Wilson signed with Pittsburgh and Kenny Pickett was still on the roster, the job was Wilson's. Wilson is the clear starter going into 2024, but that could change if he begins to struggle. Some expect Wilson to be on a short leash, which would lead the way for Fields becoming the starter at some point during the 2024 season.
Who do you want to see start the year for Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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