Pittsburgh Steelers

The Athletic's Daniel Popper suggests that Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) could be the odd man out among fellow receiver Keenan Allen and pass-rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack this offseason. Williams and the other three players have huge salary cap hits this year after they were all restructured last offseason. Together, they are projected to account for close to 60% of the team's cap in 2024, according to Over the Cap. It's highly unlikely all four players will be on the roster this fall. Williams is coming off a torn ACL and has the second-highest receiver cap hit in the league at $32.46 million (Allen has the highest). If Williams is cut, the Chargers would save $20 million. And if Williams is gone, former first-rounder Quentin Johnston should have a much bigger role in his sophomore season after he was a big disappointment his rookie year.

When asked about quarterback Russell Wilson's trade market this offseason, Denver Broncos general manager George Paton said he hasn't been contacted by any teams. Meanwhile, head coach Sean Payton said on Tuesday that a decision on Wilson's future with the team will come "in the next two weeks" before the start of free agency. Expectations are that Wilson will be released before the start of the new league year on March 13, which will cause Denver to carry an $85 million dead-money salary cap hit in 2024. The 35-year-old had a bounce-back season in 2023 in his second year with the team, but his fate seemed sealed when the Broncos benched him for the final two regular season games. Wilson didn't appear finished quite yet last year, but even a move to a better team in 2024 wouldn't ensure that he'd be a trustworthy QB1 in fantasy.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles said on Tuesday that if the team decides to draft a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick this year, he doesn't think it would be right not to trade quarterback Justin Fields before free agency on March 13. No official decision has been made by Chicago, but all signs are pointing to the team moving on from Fields and drafting USC's Caleb Williams as their next franchise QB. Teams such as the Steelers, Falcons, Patriots, Raiders, and Broncos figured to be interested in Fields if he becomes available. The 24-year-old missed time due to injury in 2023, but he looked improved down the stretch and still has QB1 appeal in fantasy because of his elite rushing ability. A move out of Chicago and to a new offensive system could make him more attractive as well.

During an appearance on the St. Brown Bros podcast, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, who has been the subject of trade rumors since the Bears secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, said on Wednesday that he wants to stay in Chicago. "If it was up to me I would stay in Chicago. I love the city. The city's lit. The fans there, they're great. But it's a business. I ain't got no control over it, so whatever happens happens," Fields said. The 24-year-old said the Bears haven't informed him what they plan to do. Multiple teams, including the Falcons, will surely be interested in the dual-threat QB if the Bears indeed plan to trade him. Fields missed some time with injury in 2023 but showed improvement late in the year and will almost certainly be in play as a QB1 in fantasy in 2024, perhaps even more so if he's traded.

The Pittsburgh Steelers may just be a quarterback away from being real contenders in the AFC. They have just about everything else they need, from ample skill players to an improving offensive line and three legitimate, game-changing stars on defense. At the very least, Pittsburgh will apply pressure on incumbent Kenny Pickett with a QB acquisition via trade or free agency this offseason. ESPN's Adam Schefter pointed out that head coach Mike Tomlin is a big fan of Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields, so the Steelers could be one of the teams most interested in potentially trading for Fields if the Bears decide to hold onto the No. 1 overall pick in the draft to select USC's Caleb Williams. A move to Pittsburgh would make Fields extremely intriguing as a QB1 with upside in fantasy.