Steelers 2024 draft selections: A breakdown of the assets Pittsburgh needs to deal for quarterbacks like Justin Fields.
In search of a quarterback after first-round pick Kenny Pickett failed to make progress in his second NFL season, the Steelers head into the 2024 NFL summer.
Ultimately, Mason Rudolph started in Pickett’s place during Pittsburgh’s postseason run. Though few believe he has the skill to lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl, the six-year veteran finished the season strong.
For this reason, the Steelers have made a concerted effort to address quarterbacking. Although Mike Tomlin believes in Pickett’s long-term potential, he has shown a want to boost competition at the position even though Pickett and Rudolph are back.
During his year-end news conference, Tomlin stated, “There will be competition there.” “This thing is constantly competitive. Nobody is anointed by us. I’m pleased to work with him going forward and grateful for his efforts and where he is. He will undoubtedly face challenges from the competitors, though. Proceeding ahead. The best in everyone of us is brought forth by competition.”
Naturally, the question is going to be what sort of opposition the Steelers will face. Will they aim higher with a trade for a quarterback, or will they settle for an experienced free agent like Ryan Tannehill?
The Steelers have the tools necessary to make plays for some of the best quarterback trade possibilities available, even though their exact strategy is still unknown. This includes Justin Fields, who the bookmakers believe would be a great addition to the Steelers.
Due to the deal it completed with Los Angeles, Pittsburgh is not in possession of a fifth-round selection. In exchange for a 2024 fourth-round selection and a 2025 fifth-round selection, the Steelers sent Kevin Dotson, a 2024 fifth-round pick, and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Rams.
The Steelers now have a superior mid-round asset at their disposal. Having an extra fourth-round selection should provide them the flexibility they need to become a serious competitor for Fields’ services, should they want to pursue him.
What is the trading worth of Justin Fields?
Fields, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, is probably going to command a Day 2 pick in any pre-draft trade.
“The consensus in an informal poll of league evaluators is that Fields would be worth a second- or third-round pick in a pre-draft trade,” Fowler wrote back in January.
In light of this, if the Steelers choose to acquire Fields to compete with Rudolph and Pickett, they might trade the 51st or 84th pick to the Bears.
But in an effort to get Fields, the Steelers might also try to combine two fourth-round selections. That might not be sufficient in the end for Chicago to make the move, but Pittsburgh at least has a few avenues it can pursue in an attempt to acquire Fields.
It seems improbable that the Steelers would forfeit their first-round pick (number 20 overall) if they choose to acquire Fields. If they wish to replenish their stockpile after dealing a Day 2 selection for Fields, they could be able to trade down and recover some additional picks in this way.
In any case, it doesn’t appear that purchasing Fields will cost a fortune. The Steelers can acquire the Bears quarterback if they so choose, provided they don’t have to give up too many draft picks.
Additional quarterback trade targets for the Steelers.
