The Pittsburgh Steelers have been embroiled in a quarterback controversy ever since Russell Wilson suffered a calf injury while pushing a sled the day before 2024 training camp started. Justin Fields came in and led the team to a 4-2 record, but was then put back on the bench as Wilson was finally healthy enough to play. The team is sitting at 5-2 entering Week 8 and has playoff aspirations. It appears as if Wilson will hold onto the job for the foreseeable future, especially after a strong offensive performance in Week 7 that saw the unit put up 37 points.
When looking at the short-term future for the Steelers, Wilson arguably gives the organization the best chance to compete for a Super Bowl in 2024. That once was a scoffed-at scenario, but with a strong defense and formidable offense, there is now hope in the Steel City. For the long-term, however, it appears like Fields could be the answer the franchise is looking for at the quarterback position.
Not so fast, though. The Athletic had contributors, Mike Jones and Jeff Howe, put together trade scenarios that they would like to see happen with the trade deadline rapidly approaching. One deal on the list was Pittsburgh sending Fields to the Miami Dolphins for a fourth-round pick.
[The Dolphins are] already in trouble in the playoff race, but Tagovailoa might be able to keep them afloat," Howe wrote. "If he goes down again, though, their playoff hopes are dead. Consider the long-term lens, too. Fields is a free agent after the season, so he’ll be looking for an opportunity to start. But those chances tend to dry up, and his best-case scenario might be competing for time against a highly drafted rookie."
Tua Tagovailoa is coming off of Injured Reserve after suffering yet another concussion. There is worry for his long-term health and it's possible that one more head injury could cause him to retire. The proposal to have Fields as the insurance plan, however, makes absolutely zero sense considering how much the Steelers like the young signal-caller.
Jones contributed to the idea and had the job of discussing why a trade wouldn't happen involving Fields and the Dolphins. It's safe to say his points are much more valid than those of Howe.
"I don’t think the Steelers are done with Fields just yet, however," Jones wrote. "Yes, Wilson provided a spark that helped carry Pittsburgh over the Jets. But if this revival is short-lived, or if the 35-year-old Wilson were to suffer a setback, coach Mike Tomlin would want to have the luxury of returning to Fields — a quarterback he knows he can win with despite his limitations."
Pittsburgh is full steam ahead looking forward to postseason football once again in 2024. It would make absolutely no sense to deal Fields, especially because of his potential in years down the line. It will be a challenge to extend the quarterback without competition from the outside after his strong start to the year, but trading him now gets the Steelers nowhere, especially for a fourth-round pick.
General Manager Omar Khan will always pick up the phone when another team is calling, but it's safe to say he would simply hang up if another team's general manager decided to bring Fields up in conversation.
Steelers Could Have Another Quarterback That Generates Trade Interest
It's easy to argue that Kyle Allen is the best third-string quarterback in the NFL currently. He stepped in for one play when Fields was being evaluated for a concussion against the Dallas Cowboys, and had a strong preseason. If the Dolphins do end up looking for a better insurance plan for 2024 than they already have then it could make sense for Pittsburgh to shop Allen. It's almost a non-negotiable situation if anyone ends up calling inquiring about Fields.
