Mason Rudolph would be the ideal candidate to challenge Kenny Pickett at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
heading into the 2024 campaign, given his impressive 2023 season finale. However, since there are no assurances
that Rudolph will return and he is due to become a free agency, they may focus on a seasoned quarterback who has
flourished under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smit.
professional success in Tennessee under Smith’s offensive coordinatorship, he may offer the kind of competition the
Steelers desire to attempt to push Pickett.
Tannehill had his best seasons as a starting quarterback in 2019 and 2020, when he helped the Titans finish in the
top 10 in scoring offense and earn two playoff berths. The Titans offense, including Tannehill, suffered a significant
setback when Smith departed after the 2020 season to take a position as head coach of the Falcons. Given that Mitch
Trubisky will almost definitely face a salary cap reduction and Rudolph is about to become a free agent, Smith’s
relationship and track record with Tannehill may make him a compelling short-term alternative. He ought to offer
them an upgrade as a fallback option for Trubisky, at the very least.
The Steelers need to figure out how to get more production out of their quarterbacks regardless of the offensive
coordinator if they hope to be more than a nine- or 10-win team that is eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Pickett is currently in the midst of a make-or-break season with the club after failing to make the progress they had
hoped for in year two. They have many of the offensive components needed to form what should be a potent team.
Strong running back tandem Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are complemented by a skilled, if erratic, bunch of
pass catchers in the form of George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and tight end Pat Friermuth. The addition of
Broderick Jones, a first-round choice, to the starting lineup also significantly improved their offensive line.
