The Pittsburgh Steelers have more questions than answers when it comes to the quarterback position in 2024 and beyond. Kenny Pickett has failed to turn into the future solution through his first two seasons while Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph are not considered to be long-term solutions, either. Trubisky has no guaranteed money left on his contract and could be a cap casualty and Rudolph will have several options in free agency after leading Pittsburgh to the 2023 playoffs with three strong performances. Franchises need a quarterback to win, and it seems as if the Steelers have some thinking to do prior to March's free agency.
Pickett will likely get one more chance to prove that he can be the guy going forward, but if he is unable to perform well, who will be the next man up for the Steelers in 2024 if Trubisky and Rudolph are both elsewhere? NFL insiders from NFL Network, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported on Sunday morning that a familiar name for Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, could end up with the Steelers. Ryan Tannehill is apparently at the top of the organization's list.
"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," the trio wrote.
They are spot on with Tannehill's success as a member of the Tennessee Titans. He had incredible back-to-back seasons in 2019 and 2020, totaling 55 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions. The game plan was to run the ball down the opposition's throat while using effective play-action passes to form a talented offense. Smith was calling the plays, and ultimately landed a head coaching gig because of it.
Pickett will need strong competition in 2024 and while Tannehill wouldn't be looked at as a long-term solution, his familiarity with Smith and relatively small price tag will be an attractive option for General Manager Omar Khan. Pickett would have a veteran mentor on the roster, while also being pushed knowing that Tannehill could step in at any moment, similar to how Rudolph did in 2023.
Steelers Need To Admit Defeat On Pickett Selection If 2024 Goes Poorly
It is very hard to win in the NFL without a top-tier quarterback. Currently, the Steelers do not have that on the roster. If Rudolph and Trubisky are both on their ways out, it's possible that Pittsburgh decides to draft a signal-caller in the later rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, while also signing a veteran free agent like Tannehill. The fact of the matter is that the organization can't let Pickett hold them back for too much longer.
The most interesting part about Pickett is that he was technically selected by former General Manager Kevin Colbert. Khan was more than likely involved in the decision, but was not promoted until the month after the 2022 NFL Draft. If they continue to hold onto him with his play remaining poor, things are going to get worse before they are better in the Steel City.
The Steelers have a talented and young group on the offensive side of the ball. Additionally, they boast a stout defense in many areas. They truly could be a quarterback away from contending for a seventh Super Bowl. Tannehill might not be the guy to get them there, but if they are focused on giving Pickett one more chance, the former Titan is a great options to bring. He will be able to help Pickett with Smith's playbook and step up to play if Pickett continues to struggle.
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