The Steelers have been dubbed the ‘Wild Card’ in a potential quarterback trade sweepstakes.
In his first appearance under a new offensive coordinator, second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett had one of his best games of the season. However, NFL analysts continue to associate the Pittsburgh Steelers with other quarterbacks. Matt Lombardo of Fan Buzz linked the Steelers to Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields ahead of Week 13.
The Steelers were the final of four teams listed by Lombardo as possible landing spots for Fields. Pittsburgh, according to Lombardo, is “a bit of a wild card in any upcoming Justin Fields sweepstakes.”
“Much of Pittsburgh’s offensive identity is going to depend on the impending hire of Mike Tomlin as offensive coordinator,” Lombardo said in a statement. “But playing behind an improved offensive line from what he’s had in Chicago — with George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth to throw to along with bruising running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris alongside him in the backfield — could be exactly what Fields needs in order to reach his star potential.”
Fields has a 64.4% completion percentage in eight games this season. He also has 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions while averaging 7.1 yards per attempt.
QB Kenny Pickett faces a significant contract extension through 2023.
A week ago, Lombardo would have had an easier job convincing Steelers fans that the team should be part in a possible Fields sweepstakes.
Pickett’s poor progress during his first season and a half in the NFL was mostly blamed on fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Based on Pickett’s first performance without Canada, that criticism seemed well-founded.
Pickett threw for 278 yards in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, his best in a win in his career. He also completed 72.7% of his throws throughout the season and averaged 8.4 yards per attempt.
Pickett also extended his interception-free stretch to seven games.
If Pickett continues to perform well under new offensive coordinator Eddie Faulker and playcaller Mike Sullivan, the Steelers will not be involved in any quarterback drafts.
Justin Fields’ Potential Fit With the Steelers
On November 29, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky joined Lombardo in discussing the Steelers and Fields together.
Orlovsky did not rule out the possibility of a deal for Fields. He did, however, argue on X (previously Twitter) that Fields is superior to Pickett.
“I still look at Fields and think, ‘playmaker,’” Orlovsky wrote on X.
“Yes, I want him to play more settled and structured, and to do the little QB things more and better, but just today, he makes the Jets, Pats, Steelers, Raiders, Giants, Vikings, Falcons, Saints, and Bucs better at QB.”
“I wouldn’t give up on him …”
Fields is unquestionably a playmaker. He carried for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Despite a lower yards per rush average this season, Fields is still averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Since the start of the 2022 season, he has scored 39 touchdowns. Pickett has 17 points.
However, as Lombardo pointed out, for Fields to be successful, his club will need to structure its whole offense around his ability to make plays. The Steelers’ offense is currently and has always been structured around a classic pocket passer.
It’s also not like Pittsburgh’s existing construction isn’t producing results in terms of wins and losses. Pickett’s statistics have something to be desired. However, he has a 14-9 record as a starter, including a 7-4 record this season.
In only 24 NFL games, Pickett has seven game-winning drives. Fields has only 7 victories (7-26 record).
Orlovsky can argue all he wants that Fields improves the Steelers’ quarterback situation. However, acquiring Fields will almost probably make the squad weaker in other areas.
Any team acquiring Fields this offseason could require numerous draft picks.
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