NFL Trade Rumors: Lack of interest from Steelers to pursue Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

Once the epitome of NFL dominance, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ storied history gleams with multiple championships. From the Steel Curtain defense to the brilliance of Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris, they were an unstoppable force.

However, recent seasons have unveiled a different narrative. Plagued by injuries, aging stars, and inconsistent performances, the Steelers have grappled with maintaining their former glory. Their quarterback room has also become a mess. The team has the chance to pursue some elite available QBs, but it seems the team is unlikely to take a move to sign those players.

Steelers allegedly uninterested in Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

Recent reports indicate that the Steelers are not in pursuit of big-name quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, or even Justin Fields.

While there were rumors of the Steelers being in the mix for Fields, recent insights suggest otherwise. ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously hinted at the Steelers’ involvement in the Fields conversation. However, it appears those talks have cooled off, per recent reports from Dianna Russini and Mike DeFabo, per Bleacher Report.

This decision comes despite Fields showing promising signs of improvement in the 2023 season. He accumulated 2,562 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, coupled with 657 rushing yards and four scores on the ground in 13 games.

The quarterback landscape is indeed intriguing, with Wilson showcasing a solid performance in Denver last season before getting embroiled in the contract saga. Meanwhile, Cousins was on track for a career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings before the Achilles injury cut his 2023 campaign short.

Mayfield is fresh off an impressive season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He might be eyeing an extension, especially considering the team’s recent re-signing of star wide receiver Mike Evans.

Will QB Kenny Pickett be kept by the Steelers?

The Steelers have shown a steadfast commitment to Pickett despite the availability of other free agent quarterbacks. Head coach Mike Tomlin, and team president Art Rooney II have all voiced their confidence in his abilities. This unwavering support suggests that the Steelers view the young star as their quarterback of the future.

General manager Omar Khan also remains optimistic about Pickett’s potential positive impact. He showcased a belief that the signal-caller can overcome the challenges faced during his initial seasons.

The decision to stick with Pickett stems from a belief that he can bounce back from a challenging 2023 season. Despite struggles attributed to offensive coordination under then-OC Matt Canada, there is optimism that his partnership with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will lead to improvements. Smith’s arrival is seen as a catalyst for maximizing Pickett’s skill set and revitalizing the Steelers’ offense.

While Pickett’s stats over his first two NFL seasons might not be standout, his potential and resilience haven’t gone unnoticed by the Steelers’ leadership. Despite encountering adversity, with a record of 14-10 as a starter, the quarterback has shown glimpses of promise.

The Steelers plan to retain Mason Rudolph, who stepped up in Pickett’s absence and led the team to a playoff appearance. However, he is seen as a short-term solution, with Pickett positioned as the long-term answer at the QB spot.