The Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason has been filled with speculation and anticipation. After a season that saw Kenny Pickett's promising performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12 marred by injury in the game following, and the pending potential departure of Mason Rudolph in free agency, the Steelers find themselves in need of a quarterback.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7780-544x306.jpg "Steelers Kenny Pickett")
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Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throwing passes during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
While it's not an absolute necessity, having a reliable signal-caller would undoubtedly ease the anxiety of Steeler Nation heading into the 2024 season.
Steelers Could Land A Veteran Star Quarterback
Among the names swirling in the rumor mill, two veterans have captured the spotlight: Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins. Wilson, the former Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl champion, now sports a hefty contract with the Denver Broncos, but finds himself on shaky ground with his current team. On the other hand, Cousins was having a remarkable season from a statistical standpoint before a serious injury sidelined him.
Cousins managed to play only eight games before succumbing to an Achilles injury. However, in those limited appearances, he showcased his abilities by completing 70% of his passes, averaging 291.4 yards per game, and amassing 18 touchdowns. He only threw five interceptions.
Cousins proved that he still has what it takes to be a competent quarterback in the NFL. As a result, when he hits free agency this offseason, he's likely to command a top-level salary. Now at 36 years old, the conversation has shifted to speculation on if investing in a veteran like Cousins would be worth it for the Steelers.
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Steelers are listed as having a good chance of landing Kirk Cousins in free agency.
Adam Thompson, an oddsmaker at Bookies.com, has devised hypothetical odds regarding Cousins' potential landing spot in 2024, and the Steelers are in a favorable position.
The current odds for Cousins' next team show a range of potential destinations. Leading the pack are the Las Vegas Raiders with odds of +400, representing a 20% chance of landing Cousins. The Atlanta Falcons closely follow at +425 (19.1%), with the New England Patriots not far behind at +500 (16.7%).
Other contenders include his current team, the Minnesota Vikings at +600 (14.3%) and the Washington Commanders with +750 odds (11.8%).
The Steelers stand at +950 (9.5%), while the Denver Broncos are at +1200 (7.7%). The Seattle Seahawks sit at +1400 (6.7%). Additionally, there's a "Field" option with +650 odds (13.3%), indicating other potential destinations for Cousins.
The debate among members of Steeler Nation revolves around whether pursuing Cousins is a wise move. After all, acquiring an aging veteran quarterback coming off a significant injury is not without its risks, and it certainly won't come cheap.
However, some argue that if the Steelers were to secure Cousins, they would instantly become Super Bowl contenders. While Mike Tomlin has expressed confidence in the current roster's quarterback situation for 2024, many fans remain skeptical.
Even if the Steelers were to bring back Rudolph, it could lead to a situation similar to the previous season, where the quarterback play improved, but still couldn't match up to the league's best. With this in mind, it appears that the Steelers would be prudent to explore their options for an additional quarterback this offseason, whether that involves the draft or the free agency market remains to be seen.
If the Steelers indeed have confidence in Pickett's potential, it might not be a bad idea to consider bringing in a seasoned veteran quarterback for a couple of seasons. This approach could provide Pickett with invaluable experience and mentorship, while allowing him to further hone his skills. With a veteran's guidance, the team's talent could flourish even more effectively while Pickett grows.
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Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett.
As the Steelers navigate the uncertainty of their quarterback position for the 2024 season, the possibility of Cousins joining the team remains a tantalizing prospect. The odds, according to Bookies.com, suggest that it's a plausible scenario.
However, the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the Steelers' front office and coaching staff. The debate within Steeler Nation will continue to simmer until an official announcement is made, and the fate of the franchise's quarterback position is sealed. Until then, the speculation and anticipation will persist, keeping Steelers fans on the edge of their seats.
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