The Pittsburgh Steelers may consider trading for a veteran quarterback this offseason. Owner Art Rooney II refused to rule out the possibility when confronted with the scenario.
"As we sit here in early February, we're not closing the door on anything," Rooney II said when asked about acquiring a signal caller.
2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett played poorly last season before an injury momentarily sidelined him. Mason Rudolph, initially the No. 3 quarterback, entered the lineup and took advantage of his opportunity. Rudolph performed admirably enough to keep Pickett on the bench when he got back healthy and even earned the nod over Pickett in a playoff game.
Rudolph is set for unrestricted free agency and Mitch Trubisky could be a cap casualty. The Steelers may add competition to their quarterback room this offseason, so we've identified three potential trade targets.
JUSTIN FIELDS, CHICAGO BEARS
Justin Fields possesses the most upside among the starting-caliber quarterbacks who are expected to be available via trade. The Bears clinched the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft as a result of their trade-down involving Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers last summer. Widespread speculation is that the Bears will draft former USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the pick they’ve inherited.
Fields showcased terrific promise throughout 2023. The former Ohio State standout threw for a career-high 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns while committing a career-low amount of turnovers (nine interceptions and 10 fumbles). Fields' fifth-year option must be decided this offseason, which admittedly complicates his market. But the Steelers can afford to take a risk given that Pickett himself is on an affordable rookie deal.
SAM HOWELL, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The Commanders are another team that may be moving on from their young quarterback. A new regime is in place under the Josh Harris-led ownership group with Adam Peters as general manager and Dan Quinn as head coach. The Commanders are expected to draft a quarterback with the second overall selection, either North Carolina's Drake Maye or LSU's Jayden Daniels.
Sam Howell was dealt a raw hand behind an abysmal offensive line in 2023. Howell showcased his toughness by routinely navigating faltering pockets. A gunslinger, Howell threw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns despite the lackluster circumstances. Peters wasn't the GM that drafted Howell and he may be willing to part with him for a day-three pick. Howell's competitive attitude makes him an ideal candidate to push Pickett in training camp.
MALIK WILLIS, TENNESSEE TITANS
New Titans head coach Brian Callahan is an offensive-minded leader who's been hired to maximize Will Levis' development. The Titans firmly believe in Levis. They're going to spend the offseason surrounding him with a better supporting cast.
Ryan Tannehill is an unrestricted free agent and won't return. General manager Ran Carthon will be in the market for a veteran backup. The Titans will likely target a quarterback like A.J. McCarron, one that knows Callahan's system. The GM (Jon Robinson) and head coach (Mike Vrabel) that drafted Malik Willis are no longer in Nashville. The new regime would prefer to add an experienced arm behind Levis. Willis is expendable. His untapped potential should intrigue Mike Tomlin.
