Three QB options for Steelers in 2024

The Steelers should consider all options at quarterback in 2024 after Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph all failed to prove themselves. Here are three quarterbacks Pittsburgh could turn to next season.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins

Cousins is set to become a free agent following the 2023 season, unless Minnesota decides to extend him in the offseason, of course. That, however, feels unlikely as the team continues to fall further behind in a talented NFC North.

The four-time Pro Bowler could be exactly what the Steelers need to win now. Pittsburgh's defense, although far from perfect, has shown it can be championship-caliber. Mix that with its group of young weapons on offense and the team is one quarterback away from contending.

The 12-year veteran proved to still have gas left in the tank, throwing for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 8. If Cousins can fully recover, which he should barring any significant setback, the Steelers should consider making him their new captain of the offense.

Bears QB Justin Fields

Chicago would have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft thanks to its trade with the Panthers (1-11) if the season were to end today. It would be difficult for the Bears to not draft USC QB Caleb Williams in that scenario, making Fields, their 2021 first-round pick, expendable.

It's unknown what it would take to acquire Fields, but if Pittsburgh could get him for a day-two pick, why not? The third-year quarterback has had his ups and downs but has certainly shown much more upside than Pickett with 7,662 total yards and 47 total touchdowns from 2021-23.

LSU QB Jayden Daniels

The Steelers would have the No. 18 overall pick if they were drafting today and Daniels, a Heisman finalist, could fall right into their lap. The LSU product has 4,946 total yards and 50 total touchdowns in 2023 and currently ranks as Pro Football Focus' No. 22 overall prospect.

There is still a lot of time between now and April for Daniels' draft stock to rise, but the 2024 draft class has several talented options at quarterback, making this the perfect time for Pittsburgh to add to its room. Adding Daniels wouldn't force the Steelers to move on from Pickett either, but instead put pressure on him to continue earning the right to be their starter. It could be a win for everybody.