Steelers GM Omar Khan’s Trade for QB Justin Fields: Minimizing Risk, Maximizing Upside
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made bold moves to upgrade their quarterback room, with general manager Omar Khan leading the charge. Khan expressed his commitment to exploring all options to improve the team, and he certainly followed through on his words. In just one week, Khan orchestrated two trades and a signing to dramatically reshape the QB room.
The first move came with the signing of Russell Wilson to a one-year, $1.21 million deal. This unexpected addition sent shockwaves through the league, as many believed Wilson would land with another team. However, Khan’s aggressive approach paid off, and the Steelers secured the veteran quarterback.
Shortly after the Wilson signing, the Steelers traded former starter Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles in a pick swap. This move left only one quarterback on the roster, opening the door for more maneuvering by Khan.
And the other shoe dropped when the Steelers traded for Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. The trade involved a conditional sixth-round pick in 2025 that can become a fourth-round pick based on playing time. This acquisition solidified the QB room and provided a long-term solution alongside Wilson.
The Steelers were initially favored to land both Wilson and Fields, and they ultimately succeeded in doing so. These moves have had a significant impact on the team’s salary cap. While other teams spend large sums on quarterbacks, the Steelers are committing a modest amount to the position. Wilson comes in as the presumptive starter on a minimum veteran salary, while Fields will count $6,004,712 against the cap in 2024.
Compared to other teams with top-tier quarterbacks, this financial commitment is minimal. For example, the Cincinnati Bengals spend $18.7 million on Joe Burrow, the Los Angeles Chargers commit $19.4 million to Justin Herbert, and the Baltimore Ravens allocate $14.25 million for Lamar Jackson.
By spending less on quarterbacks, the Steelers can continue to strengthen their roster. Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl have emphasized building the team through the draft and focusing on the trenches. This approach allows them to round out the roster while having multiple options at quarterback.
The trade for Fields also addresses the Steelers’ long-term quarterback needs. While Wilson may be a short-term solution, Fields provides promise and upside as a young quarterback. Fields was the 11th pick in the 2021 draft, showcasing his potential. If Wilson performs well and fits into the team’s run-heavy scheme, the Steelers can extend him beyond 2025. Additionally, Fields offers a young and talented alternative with significant upside.
However, there are risks associated with these acquisitions. The Denver Broncos were willing to pay nearly $38 million to part ways with Wilson, suggesting concerns about his performance. Similarly, the Bears decided to trade Fields just three years after investing heavily in him. Wilson’s struggles in Denver and Fields’ turnover issues raise questions about their abilities to thrive in Pittsburgh’s conservative approach to protecting the ball.
Nonetheless, these concerns are minimized as Fields joins as QB2. It’s worth noting that Fields has modeled his game after Wilson and sees similarities in their playing styles. He now has the opportunity to learn from a quarterback with a similar skill set and challenge for more playing time.
The low risk associated with both Wilson and Fields is evident. The Steelers now have two solid options at quarterback, a significant upgrade from their previous QB2 caliber players. This not only provides immediate benefits for the 2024 season but also offers flexibility to upgrade other areas of the roster.
In conclusion, Khan’s aggressive approach to upgrading the Steelers’ quarterback room has provided optimism for fans and numerous options for the future. With Wilson and Fields, the team has minimized risk while maximizing upside. Only time will tell how these moves will unfold, but one thing is clear: Khan is not afraid to take big swings to improve the roster.