PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to the Justin Fields trade situation for over a month, and as free agency approaches, it appears they’re still in contention for a swap with the Chicago Bears.

During an episode of ‘Pardon My Take’, ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated that a trade for Fields might be more affordable than once believed.

Instead of a first-round pick, which was the original thought, the compensation has now dipped. “I think it’s pretty simple,” Schefter said. “Ryan Poles, the Bears General Manager, worked in Kansas City at the time that they traded for Alex Smith. They traded two twos to the 49ers for Alex Smith. Sam Darnold, to me, when you talk to people, might be the most relevant compensation comparison.

The Jets traded him to the Panthers in [2021], I believe it was, and it was for a six that year and a four and a two the next year. So, three picks.

A two, four, and six. And I think that the Justin Fields compensation is somewhere between what Alex Smith got and what Sam Darnold brought. “A two and a five. A two and a four. A two and a three. Something like that,” he added. Schefter said on ESPN that the Steelers are “in the conversation” about Fields as teams leave the NFL Combine.

Pittsburgh was reportedly one of three teams who expressed interest to Chicago when discussing a move for a quarterback.

General manager Omar Khan did not shut down the idea of acquiring Fields, telling local media he would consider all options during the offseason. Re-signing Mason Rudolph remains their top priority, but if Fields is available for less than believed, it could change their course of thinking.