The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to pursue a veteran quarterback with familiarity with newly named offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense during the free agency period this offseason.
The Steelers quarterback situation is murky after former first-round pick and quarterback Kenny Pickett was benched in favor of Mason Rudolph at the end of the season and for the playoffs. Pickett finished the 2023 season with 2,070 yards passing, six touchdown passes, and four interceptions.
The Pittsburgh Steelers want competition at quarterback
Per the Steelers website, head coach Mike Tomlin said following the team’s Wild Card loss he wanted to see a quarterback competition for the 2024 season:
Tomlin said he still believes in Kenny Pickett as the team’s starting quarterback but does want there to be competition for that role, whether that be from Rudolph, who is a pending free agent, or elsewhere.
“There will be competition there,” Tomlin said. “There’s always competition in this thing. We don’t anoint anyone. I’m appreciative of his efforts and where he is and excited about continuing to work with him. But certainly, he will be challenged from a competition perspective. Moving forward. competition brings the best out in all of us.”
The Steelers are expected to go after Ryan Tannehill
The Steelers reportedly have a quarterback in mind to bring competition into the locker room. According to Mike Garafolo with the NFL Network, the Steelers are expected to try and sign Ryan Tannehill:
“With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the expectation is Pittsburgh will explore adding free agent Ryan Tannehill, who had his best years with the Titans while Smith was the OC there.”
Tannehill had success with Arthur Smith
Smith was a part of the Titans’ Staff from the 2011-2020 seasons. He was the offensive coordinator when Tannehill was signed by the Titans in 2019.
Tannehill would earn a Pro Bowl nomination and the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award for the 2019 season. Smith would coach Tannehill one more season before taking the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job in 2021.
Tannehill was a part of a quarterback competition last year with the Titans. He eventually lost his starting spot to rookie quarterback Will Levis. Tannehill still wants to be a starter in the league. But is a quarterback competition in Pittsburgh the best way for him to get back on the field in 2024?
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