Potential QB options for Steelers following trade of Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped a bombshell Friday, trading their 2022 first-round pick, QB Kenny Pickett, to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Russell Wilson, who signed his one-year deal with Pittsburgh on Friday, is now the only quarterback on the roster. (Mason Rudolph, a Steelers backup last season, signed with Tennessee in free agency.)

So, what are Pittsburgh's options at QB following the first waves of free agency?

Justin Fields | Chicago Bears

Here we go again. 

Fields, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, seems to be on his way out of Chicago. The Bears own the first overall pick in the NFL Draft and will likely start fresh with a rookie quarterback.

Fields' trade market has dried up in the past week, but now that Pittsburgh has dealt Pickett, the Steel City could be the perfect landing spot.

The 25-year-old could learn under Wilson in 2024 and get a needed reset. Depending on how Wilson plays in 2024, Pittsburgh would have a couple of options in 2025 — sticking with Wilson or rolling with Fields.

Could the Steelers land Fields for a third- or even fourth-round pick?  Good thing they gained an extra third-rounder in the Pickett trade.

Ryan Tannehill | Tennessee Titans

Tannehill and Steelers' new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith worked together in Tennessee during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. A reunion in Pittsburgh could be a quick fix.

Smith got Tannehill's best ball out of him during his time in Tennessee, throwing for 6,561 yards, 55 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions. He also added 451 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing.

Tannehill's best days are behind him, but he could be a serviceable quarterback if Wilson were to miss time.

Spencer Rattler | South Carolina

If the Steelers want a younger option, Rattler could be the answer in the draft. He has been slowly climbing draft boards since a solid performance (65 passing yards, one touchdown) at the Reese's Senior Bowl in February.

The 23-year-old is also coming off a solid 2023 season at South Carolina, throwing for 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Pittsburgh, which has the 20th pick in the first round, may be willing to use higher draft capital on a quarterback. With other, more pressing needs, though, Rattler makes sense as a mid-round pick.