6 veteran QBs Steelers considered as competition with Kenny Pickett in 2024
6 veteran QBs for the Steelers to consider as competition with Kenny Pickett in 2024
The Steelers may designate Trubisky as a post-June 1 cut and acquire $5.25 million in 2024 contract space, per Overthecap. The Steelers would still be stuck with a $4.6 million dead cap as a result of this decision, which could be divided into $2.3 million year chunks between the 2024 and 2025 seasons. If the Steelers made such a move, Pickett would be their lone quarterback. In order to replace the void in the quarterbacks’ room, let’s examine a couple free agents with links to the Steelers.
Consider former Steelers QBs
Mason Rudolph
Of course, Mason Rudolph is the first person mentioned when discussing a Steelers quarterback battle. Until the end of his six-year tenure with the Steelers, virtually little was spoken about him. He started the last three games of the regular season and had three touchdowns and no interceptions, demonstrating a level of consistency in quarterback performance that the Steelers had been missing for years.
Based on his performance during the three-game winning streak that propelled the Steelers into the playoffs, the majority of supporters want him back to at least challenge Pickett for the starting job, if not win it outright. When free agency rolls around, Rudolph very well could decide to take his abilities elsewhere. Rudolph, who was signed to a one-year contract worth $1.08 million, was the third quarterback on the team the previous season. The 28-year-old received a salary increase as a result of his play, however it is unclear how much more he will be paid or which team will sign his checks.
Dobbs Joshua
Joshua Dobbs, a former quarterback for the Steelers and a 2017 draft choice, has not played much until recently, much like Rudolph. In 2023, he made 12 of his 14 career starts, splitting them between the Minnesota Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals. Dobbs gained 421 yards and three scores on the run in those games in addition to throwing for 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Dobbs, who was 28 years old, had a $1.5 million contract that was valid for one year.
Arthur Smith Conections
After working his way up from intern to offensive coordinator during his ten years with the Tennessee Titans, the new offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers has spent the last three seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Coaches love to bring veterans they know and trust with them when they take a position with a new team.
Tannehill Ryan
With six seasons as a starting quarterback with the Miami Dolphins and five more in Tennessee, veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill has 11 years of starting experience. Prior to playing in Smith’s scheme for two seasons, he had an 87.0 lifetime passer rating. After that, he would score 117.5 and then 106.5. After Smith moved to Atlanta three years ago, Tannehill’s ratings have averaged in the upper eighties once again.
Tannehill’s effectiveness has undoubtedly been hindered by age and ankle issues, but a reunion with Smith may give him a boost in his latter years after he started just eight games in 2023 and finished with just four touchdowns and seven interceptions. Tannehill recently concluded a four-year contract for $118 million. Tannehill is looking at a deal with backup costs due to his age, health, and recent play.
Mariota Marcus
Marcus Mariota spent five seasons in Tennessee playing alongside Arthur Smith until Ryan Tannehill, the previously mentioned player, benched him in the fifth season. Although the benching would seem to rule out a Mariota-Smith reunion, they previously had one in 2022 in Atlanta with the Falcons. Mariota would start the first thirteen games, but he was benched again due to his fifteen touchdowns, nine interceptions, and three fumbles. He signed a one-year, $5 million contract to support Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia during the previous season.
Andy Weidl (Steelers’ assistant GM) connections
If you don’t think the addition of an assistant general manager from another team will have an impact on the Steelers in the future, keep in mind that four players on the 53-man roster at the beginning of the 2023 season signed rookie contracts with the Philadelphia Eagles during Andy Weidl’s tenure in that front office. Before moving to western Pennsylvania, Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig, Chandon Sullivan, and Elijah Riley were all singing Fly Eagles Fly.
Carson Wentz
Andy Weidl was the associate director of player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles when they selected Carson Wentz with the second overall choice in the 2016 NFL Draft. He then joined the Steelers as assistant general manager. The most recent injury suffered by Wentz came during his half-season stint as a Los Angeles Ram.
It would take Wentz until Week 18 to attempt a throw, as Matthew Stafford rested in preparation for the postseason. Wentz completed a mixed bag of 24 passes for 163 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in that game; the Rams received the prorated share of a one-year, $1.165 million deal for his efforts.
Minshew Gardner
After Weidl was elevated to vice president of player personnel in 2021, Gardner Minshew would be signed by the Eagles as a free agent. Minshew signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts last season, with the option to earn an extra $2 million in playing-time incentives. In 2023, he would start 13 games, including the final 12 after shoulder surgery ended Anthony Richardson’s season. He would total 15 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and 5 fumbles while playing. Richardson may relocate Minshew to a different residence if he returns in time for training camp.
Nate Sudfeld
Since we’re talking about quarterbacks with ties to the Steelers, we may as well go all the way to the bottom of the barrel. After serving as Washington’s third-string quarterback inactive throughout his first season, Nate Sudfeld was signed to the Eagles practice squad in 2017. Due to an ACL injury sustained in August of last year, he was placed on the Lions injured reserve list. He has thrown 37 passes, one touchdown, and one interception in his six years as a professional. Sudfeld had a $1.6 million, one-year contract.
It wouldn’t surprise me if one of these names goes into training camp in July dressed in black and gold. As is the case with many firms, skill alone is not enough, not to mention the people you know.