Schefter: Steelers Will Bring in New QB; Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, More Linked

The Pittsburgh Steelers might be considering a radical approach to their quarterback situation this offseason, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter reported Monday on The Pat McAfee Show that Pittsburgh "gonna go out and get some type of quarterback." He listed off Russell Wilson and Ryan Tannehill as veteran alternatives before adding head coach Mike Tomlin "is a big fan" of Justin Fields.

In January, Tomlin told reporters he intends to keep Kenny Pickett positioned as the starting quarterback but acknowledged the 2022 first-round pick is going to have serious competition for the role.

Despite the coach's comments otherwise, few will be shocked if someone new is running the offense by Week 1 in 2024.

Pickett threw for 2,070 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions across 12 starts in his second season. It wasn't encouraging how the passing game looked better almost overnight when Mason Rudolph lined up under center to close out the year.

The identity of Tomlin's offensive coordinator hire might have dampened the enthusiasm surrounding any quarterback change, though.

Arthur Smith helped oversee Tannehill's renaissance with the Tennessee Titans, so a reunion between the two would be an obvious play. More broadly, his arrival signals a likely reliance on the running game rather than a transformative QB.

Team president Art Rooney II told KDKA's Bob Pompeani he believes a "strong running game as a foundation" can help to open up the aerial attack:

In the same interview, though, Rooney added Pittsburgh is "not closing the door on anything" when asked whether the team could trade for a quarterback.

Acquiring Fields would carry some risk, but he at least has some upside over aging retreads such as Tannehill or Wilson. The 24-year-old apparently has an important admirer in the Steel City as well.

The NFL offseason is just getting started with Super Bowl LVIII wrapping up Sunday night. Pittsburgh's search for a quarterback is bound to evolve in the weeks ahead.