The Pittsburgh Steelers, an iconic franchise in the NFL, currently face a challenging predicament when it comes to their quarterback situation. As they navigate the transition from the legendary Ben Roethlisberger, who cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the team’s history, the road to finding his successor has proven to be anything but straightforward.
Kenny Pickett was heralded as a promising contender to take up the mantle of the next Steelers’ great quarterback. However, the journey towards establishing himself as the franchise’s new quarterback has encountered hurdles and setbacks along the way.
Despite displaying flashes of potential, Pickett has struggled to fully assert himself as the unequivocal leader of the team. The Steelers organization, along with their devoted fan base, had hoped for a seamless transition, envisioning Pickett as the catalyst for a new era of success. Yet, the reality has been far from ideal, with inconsistencies and challenges arising on the field.
Mason Rudolph, who stepped in admirably towards the end of the season, faces an uncertain future with the team. As a pending free agent, Rudolph’s priorities may not align with remaining as a backup in Pittsburgh, leaving the team with another potential gap to fill.
Steelers Receive Advice From Mel Kiper Jr.
In light of these challenges, renowned draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. offered a bold solution on ESPN’s First Draft show. Kiper emphasized the critical importance of the quarterback position, particularly in a division as competitive as the AFC North. Kiper’s advice to the Steelers was clear.
“The issue with Pittsburgh is the division. Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson. Then, you throw in the AFC and all the great ones there, which we’ve talked about a thousand times. But the division, I’m big on that. Because if you’re fourth – and they’re fourth by a mile, by miles. They can’t see the quarterbacks in that division they’re so far looking away. You’ve got to get better than the quarterback you had, who’s okay. But in this division, you can’t have a single. A single’s not winning games for you. You’ve got to have a triple, home run, grand slam. You’ve got to do something big here. You swing for the fences, right? That, to me, is Justin Fields.”
Kiper stated this in response to the mock draft scenario where Bo Nix was predicted to fall to the Steelers at the 20th pick in the first round. Nix, a talented quarterback from Oregon, is surrounded by uncertainty regarding his transition to the professional level. While some enthusiasts tout his potential, others express doubts about his NFL prospects.
Kiper emphasized the need for a game-changing quarterback, someone capable of delivering not just singles or doubles, but triples, home runs, even grand slams. For Kiper, that player is Justin Fields. Fields, the highly touted quarterback from the Chicago Bears, has recently been linked to the Steelers. Speculation intensified following remarks by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, suggesting Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s admiration for Fields.
While the allure of Fields is undeniable, acquiring him comes with a price tag. The cost of securing Fields could involve parting ways with valuable draft assets, potentially including a second-round pick and more.
Fields has demonstrated moments of immense potential on the field, showcasing remarkable athleticism and a knack for making plays with his legs. However, his passing game has raised concerns, with numerous red flags surfacing. While he possesses the physical tools to excel, there remains uncertainty about his ability to deliver the precise throws required for success in the NFL.
The pivotal question surrounding Fields revolves around his capacity to consistently execute the demanding throws essential for securing victories at the professional level. Despite the lingering doubts, prominent figures like Kiper advocate for the Steelers to seize the opportunity and acquire Fields via trade, viewing him as a potential catalyst to bolster their competitiveness in the 2024 season.
Kiper believes the Steelers cannot afford to settle for mediocrity at the quarterback position. With Pickett offering only average performance and doubts surrounding Nix’s NFL readiness, Kiper advocates for a bold move to acquire Fields.
As the Steelers weigh their options, they stand at a crossroads. The quarterback decision they make will shape not just the upcoming season, but the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. In a league where success hinges on the caliber of signal-callers, the Steelers must choose wisely. Whether they heed Kiper’s advice and swing for the fences with Fields remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: in the fiercely competitive landscape of the AFC, boldness may be their best bet.
