Steelers no closer to unseating Ravens after latest QB trade rumors

The Baltimore Ravens not only managed to earn the top spot in the AFC last season, but they did so by once again going through the gauntlet known as the AFC North. While the rival Pittsburgh Steelers had a tough defense that gave rivals fits, poor quarterback play once again ruined their chances of making a postseason run.

The Steelers once again had a solid roster from top to bottom, so much so that they snuck into the playoffs. However, Pittsburgh was merely a pommel horse for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the postseason. Without an upgrade, this could again be their fate in 2024.

Pittsburgh seems to have acknowledged that Kenny Pickett is not good enough to consistently beat teams like the Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. Their top replacement, however, isn't going to vault them into the Super Bowl conversation.

According to DraftKings, the Steelers now have -125 odds to acquire Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, making them the overwhelming favorites. If Pittsburgh, who are "fans" of the former No. 11 pick, thinks adding Fields will move the needle in what might be the best division in football, Mike Tomlin will be in for a rude awakening.

Justin Fields joining Steelers wouldn't unseat Baltimore Ravens

Fields may have piled up 1,800 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground over the last two seasons, but he failed to top 200 passing yards per game for the third consecutive season. Even with an improved defense that was supplemented by a free agency shopping spree, the Bears went 8-20 in Fields' starts in the last two seasons.

The biggest problem Fields has had in his career is an inability to get the ball out quickly against pressure. With Baltimore likely to retain a good chunk of last year's defense while running a similar scheme under new DC Zach Orr, Fields could be in for a rough time with some suspect offensive lines.

Fields would be a better option than Ravens tackling dummies like Pickett and Mason Rudolph due to his superior arm talent and excellent mobility, but the Steelers would be taking a huge gamble with this move. His highs are impressive, but his lows can make you wonder why he remained as the starter in Chicago.

If the Steelers added a veteran quarterback like Russell Wilson or Kirk Cousins, Baltimore needs to at least prepare for a more efficient and explosive passing game. Even if Pittsburgh pulls this move off, a healthy Bengals team with Joe Burrow returning still looks like Baltimore's biggest threat in the AFC North.