Adam Schefter suggests Steelers could make a move for Bear quarterback Justin Fields
Following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season on Sunday, league insider Adam Schefter joined the Pat McAfee Show to discuss the latest rumblings, including who the Pittsburgh Steelers might target as their next quarterback. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters he plans to bring in more competition for Kenny Pickett, who ended the year on the bench, and Schefter believes Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields might be an option.
“We know that Pittsburgh is going to go out and get some sort of quarterback,” Schefter said on Monday. “Whether that’s Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Fields I know, Tomlin is a big fan, we’ll keep that in mind in the offseason in the coming weeks. There will be a decision the organization has to make but they’re not just going to leave it with Kenny Pickett as the starting quarterback.”
The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and with it, the power to take the top quarterback on the board. However, they must decide on Fields’ future first.
In his third year, the former first-round selection threw for 2,562 yards in 13 games with 16 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. It’s an improvement over the last two seasons but potentially not enough to pass on some of the new talent coming into the league, especially if they can make a favorable trade for him with Pittsburgh.
Mason Rudolph, who filled Pickett’s shoes as the starting quarterback down the stretch, will be a free agent next month. He has indicated he’s interested in a fresh start after six seasons with the team that drafted him in the third round in 2018.
Insiders link Ryan Tannehill to Pittsburgh Steelers
Over the weekend, NFL insiders proposed an intriguing addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB room under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Before his time with the Falcons, he served as a very effective offensive coordinator in Tennessee.
His Titan offenses were well-known for their ability to run the football, especially with a war tank like Derrick Henry back there. But it was Tennessee’s passing game led by QB Ryan Tannehill that was also effective and a big reason for the team’s success on that side of the football.
There could be a reunion between Tannehill and Smith potentially in the works in Pittsburgh. Tannehill certainly provides a veteran presence and a reliable arm — even if he’s not on the level of the AFC’s elites, such as Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow or Josh Allen.
“With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the expectation is Pittsburgh will explore adding free agent Ryan Tannehill, who had his best years with the Titans while Smith was the OC there,” the report said.
On3’s Alex Weber contributed to this report.