4 reasons Steelers need to make splash trade for Justin Fields in 2024

A couple of weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers were likely feeling great about their season's outlook. At 7-4, they were firmly in the postseason picture. Now having lost two games in a row -- and to teams with only two wins prior to their matchup -- the Steelers are 7-6 and staring mediocrity in the face.

Playoffs or not, Pittsburgh needs to make some changes in 2024. It's going to take more than firing Matt Canada for this team to get back to contention.

One thing they could do is drop a bombshell and make a splash trade for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. The Bears will probably wind up with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and if they keep the pick, it's going to be Caleb Williams. That means Fields is up for the taking.

Why should the Steelers make a deal like this? It's pretty simple.

1. Kenny Pickett isn't cutting it

Sometimes, they say "numbers don't lie." Other times, they tell us to look beyond the box score.

Well, when it comes to Kenny Pickett, you can pretty much sum him up with a very simple set of numbers: 13 passing touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 62.6 percent completion rate through 24 games.

That's Kenny Pickett, folks. He clearly hasn't been the reason the Steelers have won games. 18 quarterbacks have thrown more touchdown passes through 14 weeks this year than Pickett has thrown in 24.

He might be a nice kid and a good teammate, but Pickett's time in Pittsburgh needs to come to an end. He isn't the answer, and it's been abundantly clear for a while now.

2. Steelers fans aren't willing to accept mediocrity

Much like the Green Bay Packers or New England Patriots of the past 20-30 years, the Steelers and their fan base aren't used to mediocrity, nor are they willing to accept it. Ben Roethlisberger spoiled Steelers fans for years, but also set a standard going forward.

Are the Steelers expected to go find someone just as good as Roethlisberger immediately after his departure? Of course not. It would be unfair to have those expectations placed on the next man up (i.e. Pickett).

But, at the same time, Pittsburgh is not going to accept such mediocrity for much longer. This is a franchise accustomed to winning, and a lot of that winning over the years has come on the shoulders of the quarterback position. Go back even further and you'll see upper echelon quarterback play from more than just Roethlisberger. Terry Bradshaw says hello.

The Steelers cannot give Pickett the same amount of time that these same Bears gave a guy like Mitchell Trubisky.

The irony in that last statement knows no bounds.

When you know, you know. And what do we know? Pickett ain't it. It's time to call a spade a spade.

3. Fields brings a unique skill set

The Steelers have seen firsthand what it's like to try and defend one of the league's best dual-threat quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson. For a few years now, Pittsburgh has had to face this guy twice per season and they will tell you just how difficult it can be to contain him.

But now, Pittsburgh would have their answer on their side in Fields. Just last year, Fields finished with over 1,100 rushing yards, becoming only the third quarterback ever to gain over 1,000 on the ground. The guy is a walking, talking big play waiting to happen.

Not only can Fields electrify with his legs, but the man can throw the football. Contrary to some of his critics' belief, Fields is an adequate passer in this league. Don't forget, coming out of college, Pro Football Focus graded him as the best thrower past the sticks -- and that's the best ever, not just his class.

For the Steelers offense to get this added dimension would mean an uptick for everyone around him. George Pickens could skyrocket in terms of production. Jaylen Warren becomes even more of a threat on passing downs. Defenses have to respect Fields' dual-threat ability before they focus on any other playmaker surrounding him.

4. Cost effective

If the Steelers truly are going to make a change at quarterback, then their other option would be to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft and select either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. At least, those two guys are as close to a sure thing as you can get in this draft class.

But, the cost of moving up to the first or second overall pick is likely going to cost a first round swap, plus an additional first, and a combination of 2-4 additional picks with at least two being in the second round.

That's quite a bit for someone who is completely unproven. On the other hand, they could make a trade for Fields who still has one year left on his rookie contract, plus the fifth-year option in 2025. Fields hasn't exactly done enough to merit a bulky extension just yet, and the Steelers would still have two years at a decent price before they'd have to pay him top-tier money.

This way, the Steelers trade less to acquire Fields and keep some draft capital to use at other positions of need. Plus, they get someone who is somewhat proven rather than a rookie who very well might not add up to their draft pedigree (hello, Bryce Young?).