The Pittsburgh Steelers have a bit of an issue at quarterback heading into 2024, and it remains to be seen just how they will handle it.
Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot is suggesting a rather cheap option for the club: New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.
Jones appears to be on the outs in New England after a miserable 2023 campaign, and Kozora thinks the Steelers should pursue a trade for him.
While Kozora certainly isn’t advocating for Jones to outright take the starting signal-caller job in Pittsburgh, he thinks the idea of a Kenny Pickett vs. Jones battle in camp may be something the Steelers should consider.
Obviously, neither Pickett nor Jones are going to be anybody’s favorite option under center. However, a Pickett vs. Jones competition may be one of the most realistic potential scenarios for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers went 10-7 this season, so unless they trade up, they won’t have a shot at landing one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s NFL Draft.
Sure, Pittsburgh can explore a trade for Justin Fields and could always try and turn to Russell Wilson if and when the Denver Broncos release him, but Fields is a wild card, and the Steelers’ rather shaky salary cap situation may prevent them from making a serious play for Wilson (unless Wilson is willing to sign at a fairly large discount).
Jones wouldn’t cost too much in a trade (maybe a late-round pick) and is slated to make just $2.8 million in base salary next season, so Pittsburgh can certainly afford to bring him aboard.
Plus, a change of scenery may be exactly what Jones needs.
After all, he was a Pro Bowler during his rookie campaign in 2021. Yes, he has steadily declined ever since, including this past season when he threw 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions before being benched in favor of Bailey Zappe. Still, a uniform change may help Jones turn things around.
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