If the Steelers want to make a splash in the offseason, targeting Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency could be the way to do it. Darnold played splendidly while propelling Minnesota to Super Bowl contention. However, the Vikings only signed him to a one-year deal and used a first-round pick on Michigan's J.J. McCarthy.
Trading in Wilson for the 27-year-old Darnold could be a brilliant long-term play for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers might also consider taking a flier on a former first-round bust like Mac Jones or Zach Wilson, hoping to get the same sort of career turnaround that Darnold experienced in Minnesota. If that's the plan, though, simply keeping Fields might be the best option.
If Pittsburgh turns the page on Harris, it may consider a veteran free agent like Nick Chubb or Aaron Jones as a new complement to Warren. Cornerbacks like Carlton Davis, Rasul Douglas and Asante Samuel Jr. should be under heavy consideration, even if Jackson is retained.
If and when the Steelers make a quarterback decision, expect wide receiver to become the top priority. Even after trading for Mike Williams, the offense has struggled with receiver depth, and Pittsburgh hasn't been shy about trying to address it.
Last offseason, Pittsburgh had a trade agreement in place to acquire Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, though a deal was never finalized.
Don't be surprised if Khan calls about 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel this offseason. San Francisco restructured Samuel's contract over the summer, extended Aiyuk and used a first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall. Trading Samuel after June 1 would save the 49ers $5.2 million in 2025 cap space.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh was discussing a trade for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk until he suffered a broken collarbone. Reengaging with Jacksonville once Kirk is healthy could make sense.
If the Steelers don't trade for a receiver, impending free agents like Tee Higgins, Amari Cooper, Chris Godwin and Stefon Diggs will likely be high on their wish list.