Steelers Need To Make 3 Massive Calls To Fix Their Quarterback Situation According To Dan Orlovsky

Orlovsky presents a trio of pivotal phone calls that he believes can resolve the Steelers' quarterback quandary during the upcoming offseason. In his view, these calls hold the key to addressing Pittsburgh's quarterback situation.

"The number one call should be to Chicago, and you're trying to see where they stand with Justin Fields, if they're going to take somebody at number one or keep him. The second call would be to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I don't think Baker Mayfield is going to leave them, considering they're in the Divisional Round playoffs, but I would make that my second call. My third call would be to the Vikings. Where do you stand on Kirk Cousins?"

The Bears hold the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft, and Orlovsky proposes gauging whether they intend to select a quarterback or retain Justin Fields. Fields' potential availability could present an intriguing opportunity for Pittsburgh. 

While it's true that Fields has faced challenges and encountered difficulties in posting remarkable statistics, his undeniable talent should not be disregarded. He possesses strong passing abilities and exhibits a skill set comparable to Lamar Jackson in terms of his ground game. Much like Kenny Pickett, Fields has faced evaluation challenges, often related to coaching, which can make assessing his true potential a complex task.

Orlovsky's second recommendation involves contacting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers regarding Baker Mayfield's status. While it may seem unlikely that Mayfield would leave a Buccaneers team that he just led to a playoff victory, Orlovsky believes it's a call worth making. Mayfield's potential availability could add depth to the Steelers' quarterback room. Since entering the league, Mayfield has secured two postseason victories, while the Steelers have yet to notch a single one in that timeframe.

Orlovsky's third and final suggestion is to reach out to the Minnesota Vikings to inquire about Kirk Cousins. Establishing the Vikings' stance on Cousins could provide the Steelers with another potential option to consider. Orlovsky emphasizes the need to elevate the quarterback room, but also suggests that Pickett deserves a chance to compete to be the starter.

"You can't go into the next season with just Kenny Pickett," Orlovsky said. "Do I think that Kenny Pickett should be given the chance to compete for the job? Sure do."

Orlovsky advocates for bringing in additional quarterback talent, not because he doubts Pickett's potential, but to foster competition and raise the overall level of play in the quarterback room. The NFL is a league where excellence is expected from quarterbacks, and without it, you don't compete for Super Bowls. 

Pickett deserves a chance to compete for the starting role, but the Steelers must ensure they have a strong pool of candidates. The experience gained by Pickett during a competitive preseason could be invaluable for his development as a potential franchise quarterback. 

However, the NFL is unforgiving, and success in this league requires consistent, top-tier quarterback play. The remaining playoff contenders showcase exceptional quarterback performances, highlighting the challenge that awaits the Steelers.

Mason Rudolph's late-season resurgence should not be discounted. He deserves an opportunity to compete for the starting role alongside Pickett, should the Steelers keep him in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have witnessed flashes of Rudolph's potential, and his performance should not be dismissed lightly.

While the quarterback dilemma looms large, Orlovsky identifies the Steelers' long-standing offensive coordinator issue as equally pressing. The Steelers have struggled offensively for an extended period, and rectifying this situation is paramount. Before evaluating quarterbacks, the Steelers must ensure they have the right offensive personnel in place to set the stage for success.

Orlovsky's perspective is clear, to fix the offense, the Steelers must consider bringing in another quarterback. However, the delicate balance lies in evaluating Pickett, providing him with a fair opportunity, and not neglecting the possibility of Rudolph as a potential starter. The Steelers' offseason promises to be a dynamic and intriguing one as they navigate the complex quarterback landscape and aim to address their offensive woes.