Steelers Land New QB Former Pro Bowl QB
There are uncertainties at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The only player in the room who is guaranteed to return is Kenny Pickett, but it remains very unclear who the other quarterbacks are—Mason Rudolph or someone else completely. However, the group wants to take a big step forward and try to sign former quarterback Ryan Tannehill of the Titans.
NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero collated information they received about every position that may see quarterback attrition in an update on the quarterback market. It appears that they will look at making Tannehill a member of the Pittsburgh team.
They stated, “Pittsburgh is expected to investigate adding free agent Ryan Tannehill, who had his best years with the Titans during Smith’s tenure as offensive coordinator. Smith is the new offensive coordinator.”
Overall, Smith led the Titans to a good season that included a trip to the AFC Championship, but things won’t be the same this time around. However, this implies that Tannehill may choose to join Pittsburgh as he is slated to be a free agency.
Smith is going to introduce a fresh playbook and strategy. The first and most crucial task for the new coaching staff will be to get Pickett up to speed in the new scheme.
There won’t be much time for them to distribute his work widely.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense if Smith’s offensive playbook and strategy are already known to the backup quarterback. That new quarterback might be in the room with Pickett and perhaps another younger passer, almost like a second quarterbacks coach (which the Steelers need). This is because the team is probably trying to acquire a veteran.
Tannehill can still throw the ball well despite being 35 years old, having missed his Pro Bowl participation five years prior, and suffering an injury in 2023.
Following his injury comeback in late 2023, he played in three games and recorded a 92.8 passer rating, 6.71 adjusted yards per attempt, andwith a completion rate of 70%. Compared to 2023, Pickett’s stats are all better. From the moment Smith started using him as the starting quarterback until this season, when he was sidelined due to an injury, Tannehill led Tennessee in starts.