The Pittsburgh Steelers shook things up in a major way this offseason when it comes to the quarterback position. The Steelers acquired both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and traded incumbent starter Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. The team is clearly hoping to establish some more consistency at the sport's most important position.
Speaking of quarterback play, Pittsburgh will have to face some of the NFL's most elite signal-callers during the upcoming 2024 campaign. Here's a look at the four best.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
As is the case every year, the Steelers will be tasked with trying to slow Lamar Jackson not once, but twice next season. In addition to his two MVP Awards, Jackson is also a two-time First Team All-Pro, a three-time Pro Bowler, and he led the league in passing touchdowns in 2019. He's also one of the most dynamic runners at the QB spot that the league has ever seen.
In six seasons, Jackson has compiled 5,258 rushing yards (a total that includes two separate 1,000-plus yard seasons) and 29 rushing touchdowns. Those are running back numbers. Jackson's ability to both run and throw at an elite level make him a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators to prepare for, and a big part of the reason why the Ravens have made the playoffs in five of his seasons under center.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts is coming off of a relatively down season after leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl and finishing second in MVP voting for the 2022 season, but Hurts was far from "bad" last season, as some have suggested. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
The guy threw for 3,858 yards and 23 touchdowns -- both career-highs. He also added 605 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, an NFL record for rushing TDs by a quarterback in a single season. Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to the playoffs for the third straight season and was named to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive time.
With an elite cast of talent around him that includes receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and new addition Saquon Barkley, Hurts could be in store for a huge 2024 season, and Pittsburgh will be tasked with slowing him and the Eagles offense when the two teams meet.