What a difference a year made for the Pittsburgh Steelers at quarterback. They cleaned house during the 2024 offseason, hoping to improve their winning chances, especially in the playoffs.
In 2023, the Steelers had Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph at quarterback. Pickett played 12 games until he suffered a high ankle sprain that required surgery. While Trubisky had his opportunities, Rudolph had modest success that relegated Pickett as a backup in Week 18.
The Steelers made the playoffs with a 10-7 record. However, after a humiliating Wild Card Round loss to the Buffalo Bills, they suffered another early exit. While Mike Tomlin continued his streak of coaching seasons without a losing record, they haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. Since then, they’ve suffered four first-round postseason exits.
Trubisky was the first domino to fall after returning to the Bills on a two-year deal. Meanwhile, Rudolph joined the Tennessee Titans on a one-year contract. Finally, all their previous quarterbacks are gone after trading Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, the Steelers got a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 seventh-rounder in return.
Conversely, the Steelers welcomed Russell Wilson on a one-year veteran minimum ($1.2 million). The nine-time Pro Bowler can comfortably sign a bargain deal because the Denver Broncos will pay him $37.8 million this season as part of the five-year, $242.5 million contract extension he signed in 2022.
Pittsburgh wasn’t done, as they traded for former first-round pick Justin Fields while surrendering a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick to the Chicago Bears.
The return the Chicago Bears got for trading Justin Fields sent a CLEAR MESSAGE. The NFL just told Justin Fields they don’t think he is good enough to get the job done. I believe he is. The NFL is a business, but he should take it personally. pic.twitter.com/4MKe6rKLpS
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 17, 2024
With Wilson and Fields in place, the Steelers might look for a third quarterback to fortify their rotation. Whether it’s a rookie or an experienced player, what’s sure is that their depth chart will be different from 2023.
-Lance Fernandez