The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very busy offseason. In a recent discussion on the Pro Football Talk show, Chris Simms and Mike Florio weighed in on the Steelers' latest hire, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. As the Steelers face crucial decisions regarding their quarterback situation, Simms and Florio made a compelling case for considering free agent Ryan Tannehill as a potential addition to the team's roster.
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Tennessee Titans quarterback and free agent Ryan Tannehill makes a throw during a home game as Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.
This move, they argued, could provide a competitive edge and enhance Kenny Pickett's growth as a quarterback.
Steelers Could Link Up Arthur Smith And Ryan Tannehill Once More
With Smith now at the helm as the Steelers' offensive coordinator, the organization has taken a significant step forward in addressing their offensive needs. However, the looming question remains: should the Steelers pursue a new quarterback, stick with Kenny Pickett, or explore other options? As the team evaluates its options, the potential for uncertainty surrounds current quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky.
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Steelers quarterbacks Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, and Mitch Trubisky participate in drills in training camp in Pittsburgh, PA.
One intriguing suggestion that emerged from the discussion between Simms and Florio was the possibility of bringing in a veteran quarterback via free agency to challenge and push Pickett. Tannehill's name quickly came to the forefront. Florio asserted that if Tannehill is in good health, he could potentially outshine the current quarterbacks on the Steelers' roster. Simms concurred, emphasizing Tannehill's underappreciated talent.
"I've always kind of been a Ryan Tannehill defender. I think he's a little bit better than people realize. AFC Championship and the number two offense in football – we are talking about. I know he hasn't been perfect. He's not a superstar."
A significant factor in favor of the Steelers considering Tannehill is his history of prior success under Smith. During Smith's tenure with the Tennessee Titans, Tannehill thrived, throwing an impressive 55 touchdowns with only 13 interceptions in just two seasons. These statistics represent some of Tannehill's career-best performances.
Despite Tannehill's age of 35, Simms and Florio believe that signing him would present a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Steelers. Tannehill's track record suggests that he is a more reliable option than Trubisky. Moreover, Tannehill's presence would provide Pickett with healthy competition and the motivation to continuously improve his skills. It would also grant the Steelers the flexibility to keep their options open regarding their future starting quarterback.
"That'd be a place where I certainly would fit the mold of exactly what you're saying. We got Pickett here; he's the starter, but a guy like Ryan Tannehill comes in, you're not set in stone as the starter. You're gonna have to outperform him every day and then keep your job during the regular season as well on top of that. I certainly could see them making that type of move."
As the offseason progresses, the Steelers' quarterback situation will remain a topic of intense interest and speculation. The potential addition of Tannehill could inject a new dimension of competition and experience into the quarterback room, providing a compelling storyline to follow as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
While the Steelers have a young quarterback striving to be the future of the franchise in Pickett, the idea of signing Tannehill presents a compelling case for bolstering the team's quarterback depth and providing Pickett with a competitive environment to thrive in. Only time will tell whether the Steelers choose to explore this avenue and potentially make a significant quarterback move that could reshape their future.
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Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill playing against the Steelers on the road
Simms displayed considerable confidence in the Steelers' readiness to make the necessary moves to secure Tannehill. It remains intriguing to observe whether Smith, in his role, might influence the potential reunion of his former quarterback in Pittsburgh. As the news surrounding Rudolph's impending free agency unfolds, it will provide greater clarity on the Steelers' course of action at the quarterback position. If Rudolph leaves in free agency, it becomes increasingly probable that the team will seek a replacement, whether through the NFL Draft or free agency itself.
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