It’s challenging to find a national NFL analyst who hasn’t entertained the notion of the Pittsburgh Steelers trading for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields this offseason. However, local Steelers insiders like Gerry Dulac from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have adopted a more reserved stance on the matter.
On February 28, Dulac shifted to oppose the idea of the Steelers potentially acquiring Fields. He highlighted the organization’s confidence in Kenny Pickett, their intention to re-sign Mason Rudolph, and Fields’ win-loss record as three factors making a trade for Fields less appealing to Pittsburgh.
This argument sparked considerable reactions on social media, with many users expressing disagreement with the rationale against targeting Fields. They argued that Pickett and Rudolph were not strong enough reasons to dismiss the potential acquisition of Fields, suggesting that Fields could offer a higher ceiling option at quarterback.
Another significant factor against a potential trade for Fields is financial. While Fields has a manageable $6 million cap hit in 2024, his fifth-year option must be decided upon by May. Acquiring Fields would likely require significant draft capital and committing to his fifth-year option, amounting to over $25 million for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Despite the drawbacks, Fields presents undeniable upside, which is crucial for teams seeking franchise quarterbacks in today’s NFL landscape. While his win-loss record may raise concerns, his athleticism and potential to become a cornerstone at quarterback cannot be overlooked.
However, some remain skeptical due to Fields’ record as a starter and his tenure with a team known for its struggles. In contrast, Pickett, despite less impressive statistics, has demonstrated a more favorable win-loss record as a starter.
