Following the rather shocking trade of Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles Friday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves potentially back in the quarterback market for a backup to Russell Wilson.
That quarterback could wind up being Justin Fields, who remains in Chicago and has seen his trade market dry up just a bit.
According to The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, during an appearance Friday on 93.7 The Fan’s PM Show with Chris Mueller, there’s a “good chance” Fields is on the Steelers’ roster Week 1 of the 2024 season.
“That’s a tough one. Don’t hold me to it, but I think there’s a good chance. That’s the way I would do it,” Kaboly said, according to audio via 93.7 The Fan.
Well then.
Kaboly certainly hedged there a bit, staying relatively safe with his thoughts while still providing a strong answer, but it’s certainly noteworthy coming from Kaboly.
With a clear need for a backup quarterback in Pittsburgh behind Wilson, Fields could be that answer. In his first three NFL seasons, Fields has had some ups and downs. He’s thrown for 6,674 yards with 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. He’s also rushed for 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Bears.
Now, with Chicago holding the No. 1 overall pick and in position to select USC’s Caleb Williams to open the 2024 NFL Draft, Fields could be on the move.
Right now, the league seemingly views him as a backup, which plays right into the Steelers’ situation following the Pickett trade.
Fields has been connected to the Steelers throughout the offseason as a potential trade candidate. Head coach Mike Tomlin attended his Pro Day coming out of Ohio State and had a viral moment with Fields before the workout, caught on video telling Fields, “You know why I’m here,” which has fueled that speculation of the connection.
Fields added to it this offseason after stating that Pittsburgh was one of his favorite places to play, having nearly beaten the Steelers in 2021 on Monday Night Football at then-Heinz Field.
Without a backup behind Wilson, a trade for Fields seemingly becomes all the more plausible for the Steelers, especially with them now having an extra third-round pick. Though Kaboly wouldn’t go as far to give a strong answer one way or another, his “good chance” response is certainly worthy of attention.
We’ll see what the Khan Artist has up his sleeve next.
