Potential QB trade target could provide Steelers with Justin Fields effect

No one knows who the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers will be this upcoming season. If everything remains still, Mason Rudolph will get the nod to start the next campaign, with underwhelming options gunning for his spot. If Aaron Rodgers decides to sign with the club, he will be the unequivocal starter in 2025, and he will have a similar standing to Russell Wilson this past year.

Rodgers refusing to commit to the Steelers raises question marks at the position. Yes, Rudolph is on the roster, but don't expect him to be the only one at training camp. Pittsburgh will want someone to compete for the starting job. They could always sign another free agent or overdraft a quarterback in the upcoming draft.

There could always be some unsuspecting names who pop up on the trade block.

Many have discounted other possibilities, with names like Kirk Cousins and Kyler Murray surfacing in trade rumors. But what about Hendon Hooker?

Hooker was a third-round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL draft. He missed most of the 2023 campaign while recovering from an injury, and his first entire season saw him back up Jared Goff. This former highly touted prospect could want a new home.

The Pittsburgh Steelers should consider trading for Detroit Lions QB Hendon Hooker

Justin Fields left Pittsburgh to join the New York Jets in free agency. As the Steelers scramble back to relevancy, they would love to add someone similar. Hooker isn't quite as athletic as Fields is, but he could bring a level of mobility the team is desperate for. Many forget the level of player that Hooker played before he suffered an injury that sunk his draft stock.

Coming out of college, Hooker produced better numbers throwing and rushing compared to Fields. It was polarizing how Hooker played during his time as a Tennessee Volunteer. With his injury before the draft process, he struggled to stay relevant. Sitting behind Goff might have been one of the best things to happen to the young signal-caller. He had a terrific learning environment.

Hooker hasn't proven anything yet in the NFL. Despite being 27 years old, he hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in a regular season game. Pittsburgh played the Detroit Lions this past preseason and witnessed Hooker produce 114 passing yards and 93 yards on the ground. He appears fully healthy and ready to go.

Hooker won't get a chance to start with the Lions, but they should consider a trade if he wants to find a new home.

The Steelers would make sense for a possible landing spot for the unproven quarterback. He has the mobility and arm strength that could help lessen the loss of Fields. Hooker could also provide some pressure on Rudolph moving forward. Trading for a quarterback with only two years left on his rookie contract without significant playing time would be a low-cost gamble for Pittsburgh.