The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in a bit of an unexpected quarterback dilemma heading into the 2024 season. After Ben Roethlisberger retired at the end of the 2021 season, the team drafted Kenny Pickett out of the University of Pittsburgh and picked up veteran Mitch Trubisky in free agency. The two battled it out with longtime backup Mason Rudolph to become the team’s starter. After taking over for Trubisky, most felt the Steelers had the future face of the franchise in Pickett, but the road has been bumpy.

The outstanding play by Rudolph during the last three games of the regular season seemed to solidify the fact that Pickett might not be the answer. Rudolph appears to want a fresh start and the Steelers are drafting too low to get a top ranked collegiate quarterback, which leaves free agency. There have been several quarterbacks linked to the Steelers recently, including Russell Wilson, Ryan Tannehill, Justin Fields, and Kirk Cousins. But now, a new name is floating around, and that’s Mac Jones from the New England Patriots.

Do The Steelers And Mac Jones Make Sense Together?

Jones was chosen by the Patriots with the 15th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, where he played with Steelers running back, Najee Harris. While Jones was not selected immediately after Tom Brady left New England, his shadow still loomed large and left any quarterback coming in huge cleats to fill.

After a solid rookie season, Jones was second in voting for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He began to struggle in year two and was ultimately benched in his third season.

The reasons for Jones’ struggles vary depending on who you ask. Many feel that his former Offensive Coordinator, Josh McDaniels, was part of the problem. That seemed to hold some merit as Jones seemed to be returning to his rookie form when the Patriots hired Bill O’Brien as their new offensive coordinator when McDaniels left to be the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the success was short-lived.

Now Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Patriots will move on from Jones this offseason, looking to use their third overall pick in 2024 to find a new quarterback (most likely either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye), and Justin Melo from The Draft Network is linking Jones to the Steelers as a possible upgrade from Pickett.

“Jones hasn’t met expectations as a 2021 first-rounder. The former Alabama standout has declined with each passing season and the organization has understandably soured on his long-term outlook. Jones is entering a contract season in 2024, but the franchise that trades for him will inherit a manageable cap charge of under $5 million,” wrote Melo.

The smaller cap hit is huge for Pittsburgh considering they are currently projected to be almost $15 million in the hole. The fact that the Steelers have been dealing with a rookie contract with Pickett has helped them be able to put money into other areas of need. Jones will not command the type of money that someone like Cousins would.

“The Steelers are going to add a veteran quarterback this offseason,” added Melo. “Jones may only be a three-year pro, but he’s attempted 1,308 passes, nearly the double amount of Kenny Pickett’s career passing attempts. The Steelers were connected to free-agent-to-be Ryan Tannehill over the weekend. New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith previously enjoyed an excellent stint as Tannehill’s offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans, even helping the team advance to an AFC Championship Game. Smith has a history of getting a mid-tier quarterback like Tannehill to overachieve. Tannehill-to-Pittsburgh will gain steam, but acquiring a cheaper, younger, quarterback with more upside like Jones offers an alternative route.”

It would be unfair to place all the blame for the Patriots’ struggles on Jones’ shoulders. Much like the Steelers’ situation, the blame belongs to many and not just Pickett. Jones did struggle with his footwork and accuracy, but there was definitely some questionable play-calling, much like in Pittsburgh. There were also concerns about Jones’ supporting cast.

Jones and the Steelers could potentially give each other a fresh start. New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is expected to bring his run-heavy, play-action pass offense to Pittsburgh and a quarterback like Jones could fit well in that system. While players are not going to throw Pickett under the bus, after the season was over, several players commented on the success the team was able to find with Rudolph.