One day after the Super Bowl, NFL trade rumor season officially commenced.
Via ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, there’s already a major one that could be on the horizon involving two past first-round quarterbacks.
Justin Fields to Pittsburgh Emerging as Trade Possibility
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, the NFL insider blurted out the Pittsburgh Steelers as a realistic suitor for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
The 2021 top-15 draft pick is one of the more appealing names ahead of the trade cycle and free agency period in March, but here’s why Schefter believes Fields to Pittsburgh could be a strong possibility.
“Pittsburgh is going to go out and get some type of quarterback,” Schefter began. “Whether that’s Ryan Tannehill [who has ties to new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith]. Whether that’s Russell Wilson. Whether that’s Justin Fields”
Schefter, though, shared more words for Fields as the strongest potential option. The biggest reason? He recalled how Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin grew fascinated with him.
“Mike Tomlin is a big fan of Justin Fields,” Schefter shared. “We’ll keep that in mind during the offseason in the coming weeks.”
"Pittsburgh is gonna go out and get another Quarterback..
Keep in mind that Mike Tomlin is a big fan of Justin Fields" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/DwBl0w2tWi
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 12, 2024
Is Kenny Pickett Immediately the Odd Man Out for the Steelers?
If such a deal were to occur, Fields coming over to the Steelers likely signifies the end for former 2022 first-round selection Kenny Pickett.
“There’ll be a decision that the organization has to make in terms of the quarterback they want to bring in. But they’re not just going to leave it as Kenny Pickett as his starting quarterback. Mike Tomlin made that very clear,” Schefter said.
The Steelers front office, which will likely sit down with Tomlin to have these conversations, will have a tough choice to make involving their QB room … including if it’s time to part ways with the former local star out of the University of Pittsburgh.
“So now, it’s which of these quarterbacks do they make a move for? Which one is somebody they can go acquire? And who fits into what they’re willing to give up,” Schefter further explained.
For Pickett, his Steelers career has seen mixed-to-low results. Pickett did not throw for 300 yards in any game this past season. He also ended with two 70-yard passing games — including 70 in his last 2023 appearance with the Steelers on Dec. 3 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Pickett also witnessed Mason Rudolph handle the QB reins for the rest of the Steelers’ playoff run. The Steelers went on to win their next three games to close out the 2023 season during a time when Pickett was healthy and cleared to play but remained on the sideline.
MORE: Art Rooney II Convinced Steelers Remain in Good Hands With Mike Tomlin, Speaks on Contract Talks
Fields, meanwhile, will remain a hot subject for trade chatter. Signs are indicating the Bears will opt for Caleb Williams out of USC as the No. 1 pick come April in the NFL Draft. That decision has further fueled the speculation of Fields getting dealt.
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