The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their strong, methodical approach to team building, with a deep-rooted commitment to their defense and a steady, reliable offense. However, in recent years, the franchise has struggled to find a consistent solution at the quarterback position following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement after the 2021 season. With the Steelers’ offensive game plan being one of the most debated aspects of the team, it’s no surprise that recent reports have suggested that the Steelers might be pressed to sign a quarterback from outside the organization. Could a move to bring in a quarterback from the New England Patriots, specifically Mac Jones, be the answer? Let’s break down the potential move, what it could mean for the Steelers, and how this would fit into the overall landscape of the team’s future.
### The State of the Steelers’ Quarterback Situation
Since Roethlisberger’s retirement, Pittsburgh has made attempts to build a new identity at the quarterback position. The team drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping he would be their quarterback of the future. While Pickett showed flashes of potential, he also displayed significant inconsistency throughout his rookie campaign and into the 2023 season. His decision-making, pocket awareness, and ability to lead the offense have all been questioned at various points. Despite some late-game heroics and a knack for getting wins in tight situations, Pickett has not been able to provide the stability and growth Pittsburgh was hoping for.
Meanwhile, Mitch Trubisky, the former Bears starter, has struggled to make an impact in limited opportunities as a backup. The Steelers also brought in veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph, but there have been no indications that they consider him a long-term option. While the team’s defense remains among the league’s best, the offensive struggles have been a major hindrance.
This has led to the growing belief that the Steelers may need to look outside the organization to find their next franchise quarterback. The team’s brass has made it clear that they’re not willing to give up on Pickett just yet, but if he continues to show inconsistency, the Steelers could be forced to explore other avenues.
### The Mac Jones Situation in New England
The New England Patriots’ quarterback situation is arguably one of the most closely watched in the league. After being drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Mac Jones showed promise in his rookie year under head coach Bill Belichick. He helped lead the Patriots to the playoffs, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 22 touchdowns with a solid 67.6% completion rate.
However, Jones’ trajectory has taken a significant downturn in the seasons since. The arrival of offensive coordinator Matt Patricia in 2022, and then Bill O’Brien in 2023, has not resulted in the kind of offensive resurgence that many expected. Jones has struggled with turnovers, consistency, and overall chemistry with his receiving corps. His mechanics have been questioned, and at times, he’s appeared rattled under pressure. New England’s offensive line has also been inconsistent, and the Patriots’ lack of elite weapons on the outside hasn’t helped Jones’ development.
Despite the lack of progress, Jones has still shown enough promise that many teams believe he could thrive in a different system with better surrounding talent. As the Patriots continue to search for stability under head coach Bill Belichick, the question remains: will they stick with Jones or move in a different direction?
### Why the Steelers Are Being Pressed to Make a Move
With both teams facing their own quarterback dilemmas, it’s not entirely out of the question that a trade between the Steelers and the Patriots could occur. For the Steelers, the idea of bringing in a quarterback like Mac Jones may represent an opportunity to infuse their offense with a fresh start. While they would be taking a risk, it could be a calculated one.
1. **Potential for Growth**: Jones showed a lot of promise in his rookie year. Although his 2022 and 2023 campaigns have been rocky, his talent is undeniable. He still has time to develop and could potentially thrive under Pittsburgh’s more stable offensive system. The Steelers have one of the most well-coached teams in the NFL, and their track record of developing quarterbacks (even those who were initially considered to be “project” players) could give Jones the best chance to reboot his career.
2. **Improved Surrounding Talent**: Unlike New England, where Jones has been tasked with operating behind a shaky offensive line and with subpar weapons, Pittsburgh could provide a much better environment for a quarterback. The Steelers have playmakers at wide receiver like George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and the promising rookie Allen Robinson. Additionally, running back Najee Harris provides a solid ground game that could take some of the pressure off a quarterback like Jones.
3. **Steady Defense**: The Steelers are known for their defensive prowess. A strong defense can be a quarterback’s best friend, and with Pittsburgh’s defense, Jones wouldn’t be under constant pressure to carry the offense. Instead, he could lean on the defense to keep games close and give him the opportunity to find rhythm and confidence.
4. **Not Fully Committed to Pickett**: Despite the Steelers’ initial investment in Pickett, there are signs that they aren’t fully convinced that he is the long-term answer. If Pickett continues to falter or show signs of regression, Pittsburgh may decide to pull the trigger on a change. Trading for Jones would be a way to secure an alternative while still giving Pickett a chance to develop in a backup role.
### What Would a Trade Look Like?
While there are no concrete reports linking the Steelers and Patriots in trade talks, the framework for a potential deal could be discussed. The Patriots would likely ask for a mix of draft picks, possibly including a second- or third-round pick, and perhaps a player who could help immediately. Given that the Steelers’ current quarterback situation is uncertain, it’s plausible that they would be willing to part with a decent pick to acquire a player who could develop into their long-term answer.
However, there are a few things to consider before any such move happens. First, the Steelers’ front office values stability and may be hesitant to make a bold move mid-season. Second, the Patriots would need to decide whether they are ready to part ways with Jones, especially since the team has invested significant resources into his development.
### The Bottom Line
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the quarterback position has remained the elephant in the room for the past few seasons. While they have talented players in other areas, their struggles at quarterback have kept them from taking the next step as a championship contender. Bringing in Mac Jones from the Patriots could offer a potential solution. Although it may seem like a risky move given his inconsistencies in New England, the Steelers’ solid coaching and surrounding talent could provide the perfect environment for Jones to rebound and live up to his potential.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ decision will depend on the trajectory of Kenny Pickett’s development and whether the team believes a change at quarterback is necessary for its future success. However, if the team remains uncertain about its current signal-caller, the pressing need to sign a quarterback like Jones could be one of the most significant moves in Pittsburgh’s upcoming years.