When discussing potential landing spots for a trade involving Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, one of the teams frequently mentioned is the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it’s challenging to find a better match on paper. The Steelers appear to be the ideal fit for Fields for several reasons.
Firstly, the Steelers have a pressing need for a quarterback. Their decision to bench former first-round pick Kenny Pickett in a playoff game in favor of Mason Rudolph does not inspire confidence in Pickett’s abilities. Additionally, Rudolph is set to become a free agent, and while he, along with other backup quarterbacks like Joshua Dobbs and Jake Browning, may have had moments of success, their effectiveness is likely to diminish over time.
As for whether the Pittsburgh Steelers are the frontrunners to acquire Justin Fields this offseason, it remains uncertain, but they certainly appear to be a strong contender given their quarterback situation and the potential fit for Fields with the team.
Therefore, what is the Steelers’ course of action? It’s evident they must be considering quarterbacks. Ahead of the 2021 NFL draft, Mike Tomlin was observed engaging with Fields, demonstrating significant interest in the prospect despite him not being within their draft range.
With the recent hiring of Arthur Smith, who is often associated with Fields due to his success with Marcus Mariota, the connection is further emphasized.
With both Tomlin and Smith, it’s clear that the Steelers prefer a run-heavy approach, irrespective of the quarterback. However, integrating Fields’ mobility could provide an upgrade over Pickett, aligning well with the team’s offensive strategy.
It’s evident that the Steelers and Bears have the potential to negotiate a deal together. While the Steelers aren’t typically known for making major moves, they might feel a sense of urgency in their current situation.
If they perceive that Justin Fields doesn’t have as much interest around the league as assumed, they could be inclined to make a move and acquire him at the right price. The specifics of that price will become clearer in due course.
