Ranking free agent QB targets for Steelers to backup Kenny Pickett

1. Andy Dalton would offer the guidance Kenny Pickett needs

Andy Dalton has gotten a bad rep over the years, but he has really had an outstanding career as a former second-round pick. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback spend his first 9 years in Cincinnati before signing one-year contracts with the Cowboys, Bears, and Saints each of the past three seasons.

Now entering his age-37 season, Dalton knows his role is as a backup who can help a young quarterback develop. This makes him a prototype backup to Pickett — a savvy vet who can help him prep for games without any threat of taking his job.

Dalton has had some successful seasons in the past and remarkably still has a winning record of 83-77-2 in his NFL career. His impressive 162 starts will come in handy and he should be more than willing to help Pickett grow and develop.

The best news is that Dalton has a calculated market value of $6.8 million per season. The Steelers would get a cheaper quarterback than Trubisky, but one who could legitimately act like a second QB coach to a young Kenny Pickett.