JUST IN: NFL Insider Suggested a move for the Steelers to acquire Chicago Bears QB 

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a few alternatives if they want to make a big move this offseason.

They could move up in the draft. Pittsburgh might trade for a top cornerback to strengthen their defence.

They might also bring in a new quarterback.

They’ve been linked to almost every available quarterback, but one transaction jumps out for Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon.

On a list of trade ideas that might change the NFL in 2024, Gagnon suggested that the Steelers acquire Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.

It’s a move that will undoubtedly fit the team’s desire for a quarterback improvement, and it may not even be that expensive for the Steelers.

What it would take for the Steelers to land fields.
The Bears’ decision to trade up and draft Fields did not go precisely as planned.

Since that decision, they have consistently selected in the top ten.

However, the fact that they may choose his replacement in April does not mean they will simply give Fields away, like the 49ers did with Trey Lance last offseason or the Browns did with Baker Mayfield the previous summer.

Fields has done well enough over the last three years to keep some value, and he is coming off of his greatest season yet.

There should also be some competition for him, with teams like the Raiders and Falcons both in need of a quarterback but falling outside of the range to choose one of this year’s top prospects.

According to Bears source Josh Schrock, Fields’ current trade value is a Day Two pick, but the price may jump if many clubs become active.

That would make it more difficult for the Steelers to address all of their other needs through the draft, but it’s not a bad price for a cost-controlled quarterback who would be a significant upgrade over Kenny Pickett.

Why It Could Work
One of the most pressing worries among Steelers supporters about Arthur Smith’s hiring as offensive coordinator is what it implies for the team’s quarterback position.

His two greatest seasons were spent with the Titans, when he was paired with an experienced quarterback. Ryan Tannehill had his finest seasons of his career during that time, but he wasn’t exactly a growing quarterback.

Things did not go well for him with any of the Falcons’ quarterbacks during the last three seasons.

He hasn’t demonstrated the ability to develop a quarterback, which is what the Steelers need for Pickett to be their future and would also be vital for Fields.

However, there are several strategies that worked for Tannehill and should work for Fields.

With Tannehill at quarterback, the Titans made effective use of run-pass options and play action.

Fields has been successful running play action since his collegiate days. RPOs would keep opposing defences guessing and allow the quarterback to move the ball swiftly.

All of that, along with Fields’ ability to run, would make the Steelers’ offence difficult to predict.

Smith’s offence in Tennessee made good use of tight ends as well. The Titans’ tight ends combined for over 800 yards in 2020.

Fields has relied on Cole Kmet throughout his career, as the two connected 73 times for 719 yards in 2023.

In Pittsburgh, Fields would have Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington to throw to as tight ends.

The key question is whether he can take them any further than Mason Rudolph did in 2024.

They can bring Rudolph back without giving up an early draft pick, and they are confident he will at least get them to the playoffs.

At this point in his career, Fields has yet to demonstrate his ability to win in the playoffs.

He should give them a better chance than Pickett or Rudolph, but the Steelers must determine how good that chance is.