Pittsburgh is, in fact, “not among the teams actively working to trade for Justin Fields,” according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Some people might be surprised by the revelation because, when questioned about acquiring a quarterback through a trade or free agency at the NFL Scouting Combine last weekend, general manager Omar Khan didn’t refute any of the rumors.
“I have an obligation to look at every avenue that’s out there to try to make us a better football team,” Khan stated.
Russini said that Fields isn’t the only well-known quarterback the Steelers are passing on, which only serves to exacerbate the situation.
“Pittsburgh is also not pursuing Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield in free agency,” Russini stated. “The Steelers are not interested in signing [Russell] Wilson in the likely event he’s released by the Denver Broncos.”
Instead, it appears that QB Kenny Pickett, who has only thrown 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 games, is only interested in rushing the ball back for Pittsburgh.
Considering that the Steelers have repeatedly stated that they intend to get competition for Pickett this offseason, it is very illogical.
They obviously hope that Mason Rudolph, the quarterback who started the team’s playoff game and the final four games of the season, will be their main rival. Rudolph has completed 945 yards of passing with five touchdowns and just one interception.
The organization “wants him to be a part of the process,” Khan reportedly informed Rudolph’s agent, according to Dale Lolley of Steelers.com.
While Rudolph’s stats aren’t spectacular, they are respectable enough to compete with the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Pittsburgh is preparing for what will probably be another disappointing season in 2024 and is obviously not ready to accept that it made a mistake with its first-round pick in 2022. Unless, of course, the Steelers decide to alter their minds about their quarterback position.
