In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, few positions garner as much attention as the quarterback. They are the face of the franchise, often carrying the hopes and dreams of the fanbase on their shoulders. But in a league where the quarterback carousel spins constantly, some players inevitably find themselves in situations where they are linked to trade rumors or potential moves, even if they are far from being “on the block.” In a surprising twist, one such quarterback, currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been linked to a struggling NFC team in need of a signal-caller. Could this trade rumor gain traction? Let’s take a deeper dive into why this move makes sense, what it would mean for both teams, and what the future could hold for both the Steelers and the NFC squad in question.
### **The Quarterback in Question: Who Is It?**
While the exact identity of the Steelers quarterback linked to the struggling NFC team remains speculative, all signs point to *Kenny Pickett*, the Steelers’ young and talented QB. Drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickett was viewed as the future of Pittsburgh’s offense. He showed promise as a rookie, but his performance has been up and down through his first two seasons. While he hasn’t been a complete disappointment, there are moments when his development seems slower than expected.
Pittsburgh has a rich history of success at the quarterback position, with Ben Roethlisberger anchoring the team for nearly two decades before retiring. Roethlisberger’s shoes were never going to be easy to fill, but Pickett, with his dual-threat potential and leadership qualities, seemed like the right man to take over. However, in 2024, the Steelers are still evaluating his future as the franchise quarterback.
Given Pickett’s current trajectory, there’s a sense that his growth could be stunted in Pittsburgh’s offense, particularly if they don’t make a serious investment in surrounding him with more offensive talent. In 2024, the Steelers have been up and down offensively, often struggling to establish a consistent rhythm. Pickett’s lack of elite weapons around him and his occasional inconsistency in decision-making has led to some murmurs that he could benefit from a change of scenery. This is where the struggling NFC team enters the conversation.
### **The NFC Team in Need of a QB**
The NFC team that has been linked to Pickett in recent rumors is *the Washington Commanders*. After years of quarterback instability, the Commanders are still searching for a long-term solution under center. In 2024, Washington has fielded a revolving door of quarterbacks, with players like Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett, and others trying and failing to secure the starting job. The lack of consistency at quarterback has held the team back, making it one of the worst offenses in the NFC.
Despite strong performances from the defense and a talented group of skill position players, Washington has struggled to put together a cohesive offensive game plan. Head coach Ron Rivera, in what may be his last season with the team, is under pressure to turn things around, and the quarterback position has been a glaring weakness. Washington has tried to patch things together with free-agent acquisitions and late-round draft picks, but the results have been disappointing.
Pickett’s name has come up as a potential solution to this problem. A young quarterback with upside, Pickett could provide the Commanders with the stability they’ve been lacking. His ability to make plays with his arm and his legs would fit nicely into Washington’s offensive scheme, and under the right coaching, he could reach his full potential. But does this trade make sense for both sides?
### **Why the Steelers Might Consider Trading Pickett**
On the surface, trading Pickett seems counterintuitive for Pittsburgh. The Steelers have invested heavily in him as their future, and giving up on a young quarterback after just two seasons could set the team back. But there are several reasons why the Steelers might consider moving him to Washington or another suitor.
1. **Inconsistent Play and Development**: As mentioned earlier, Pickett’s performance has been uneven. He has shown flashes of potential, but those moments of brilliance have often been followed by mistakes or struggles to lead the team in critical moments. The Steelers might view his development as stagnating, especially if they don’t believe he can elevate the offense to the next level.
2. **Better QB Options Available**: Pittsburgh could be eyeing other quarterbacks in the upcoming draft or even free agency. With a solid defense and skilled offensive players like Najee Harris and George Pickens, the Steelers may feel that they are just a quarterback away from being serious contenders again. If they believe that another QB could unlock their offensive potential, moving on from Pickett might be a tough, but necessary decision.
3. **Team Needs Elsewhere**: While Pickett has potential, the Steelers have other areas of their roster that need attention. Pittsburgh has long been a team that thrives on defensive dominance, and with an aging defense and an offense that needs more help, moving on from a quarterback to acquire assets for other positions—especially along the offensive line or in the secondary—might make more sense in the long run.
4. **Salary Cap Flexibility**: Moving Pickett could also provide the Steelers with cap space in the short term, giving them the financial flexibility to make moves that improve their roster as a whole. With some key contracts looming, this trade could allow them to build a stronger team around their next quarterback.
### **Why Washington Might Be Interested**
On the flip side, Washington’s interest in Pickett is more straightforward. The Commanders have been stuck in quarterback purgatory for years, and Pickett, despite his inconsistencies, represents a potential long-term answer. Here’s why Washington might want to make the move:
1. **Youth and Upside**: Pickett, despite his growing pains, is still only in his second year. The Commanders need a young quarterback who can grow with their team. With a defense that has been solid and some promising offensive pieces in place, adding a young quarterback like Pickett could set Washington up for success in the near future.
2. **Desperation for Stability**: Washington has had its fair share of failed quarterback experiments over the years. From Alex Smith to Dwayne Haskins to Carson Wentz, the team has never found the long-term solution at QB. With Pickett, Washington would be getting a player with a high ceiling who could bring some much-needed stability to the position.
3. **Potential Cost**: The trade price for Pickett might not be astronomical, especially considering his ups and downs. Washington could potentially land him for a mid-to-late-round draft pick or a player, which would be a relatively low cost for a quarterback with his upside.
### **What This Means for Both Teams**
If the Steelers were to trade Pickett to Washington, it would represent a significant shift for both franchises. For Pittsburgh, it would mark a commitment to finding a new quarterback, whether through the draft or free agency. For Washington, it would signal a fresh start under center and a potential new era for a franchise desperate for stability.
For Pickett, the change of scenery could be a chance to reset, get a fresh start, and potentially reach his full potential in a new environment. Under Washington’s coaching staff, he could develop into a solid starting quarterback, especially if the team continues to invest in their offensive line and weapons.
In the end, this trade rumor might just be speculation for now, but with both teams facing important decisions at quarterback, it’s a scenario that could play out sooner rather than later.