Ravens' Rival Could Have New QB In 2024
Is Justin Fields heading to the AFC North?
While the Baltimore Ravens have their quarterback situation settled with the now two-time NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson, their chief rival in the race for the division isn't so secure at the position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to the Chicago Bears for the services of former first-round quarterback Justin Fields. With Chicago owning the top overall pick, all signs point to USC star Caleb Williams being the selection and Fields being expendable.
Should that happen, the Steelers having Fields compete with fellow first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett would be the talk of Pittsburgh for the entire offseason.
That would be great news for the Ravens.
Baltimore is trying to be the first team since their 2018-19 years to repeat as champions in the AFC North. To do so, they'll have to compete with Joe Burrow's Bengals and Deshaun Watson's Browns. While both quarterbacks can play at an elite level, Jackson has been able to beat both in recent years.
It's the Steelers that have caused the Ravens the most trouble. Pittsburgh has topped the North champions in seven of the last eight games played with Jackson being the starting quarterback for the majority of them.
Will the Steelers' success continue with Fields as a potential starting quarterback?
At the very least, the fact that Fields' skillset is similar to Jackson's should help the Ravens' defense. They practice against that style of quarterback every day so they should have some familiarity.
In three seasons with Chicago, the Ohio State product has thrown for over 6,500 yards, 40 touchdown passes, and 30 interceptions. He's added over 2,200 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground.
While his 10-28 record as a starter is nothing to worry about, the fact that Fields could very well start for the Ravens' top rival in 2024 should change the optics of at least some conversations in another season for the AFC North.
