It was just announced that Arthur Smith will be taking over as offensive coordinator for the Steelers. It will likely come with some mixed reactions as the club seemed to jump the gun. The Super Bowl hasn't even been played yet and Pittsburgh decided to go with an outside hire, but one that many didn't want to see. Smith relies heavily on the run, but his schemes seem like they could be a challenge to mesh with how the roster is constructed.
No matter what you think of Smith and his addition as the next play-caller on offense, his track record during his time in Tennessee was good. He was able to help turn around the career of Ryan Tannehill and help the Titans get to some competitive playoff situations. He got a Head coaching job for a reason, but he might not be able to fix Kenny Pickett, and that is what the Steelers should want most.
Joe Flacco could be an interesting veteran Quarterback for Arthur Smith
First up on this short list is someone who has been near the Steelers for most of his career. None other than Joe Flacco could be someone of interest for the team this off-season. Smith wants someone willing to take shots after finding ways of establishing the run game. Flacco is someone with a strong arm and would be willing to take a seat behind a strong-run game at this point in his career.
He was sitting on the couch for most of the year until the Cleveland Browns suffered injuries and got desperate. They called Flacco and signed him to their practice squad. He would be elevated and start for the Browns down the stretch. He played very well and showed Pittsburgh what kind of competency they're missing at quarterback. He is part of the dying breed of gunslingers that are quickly falling out of the NFL.
He should be cheap, but it seems like getting him away from the Browns organization in free agency might be difficult. Flacco has a lot of history with Pittsburgh as he played for their biggest rival, the Baltimore Ravens for most of his career. If Smith wants a more experienced veteran to lead his offense over Pickett, then Flacco could be a cheap option.
Most obvious choice would be signing Ryan Tannehill in Free Agency
There was already a logical option for both parties before the hiring of Smith, but now the Ryan Tannehill to Pittsburgh train is full steam ahead with no breaks. It makes sense even without Smith in the picture as Tannehill had the best seasons of his career behind a strong run game. He is a veteran guy who was demoted this past season and could be ok with a backup role.
He has a lot of starting experience in the NFL, and it would make sense for him to be the competition to Pickett for the starting spot. Many will despise this idea, but there are a lot of connections to the Steelers here. Free agency will bring big bags of cash to plenty that hit the open market, but Tannehill should be one of the cheaper options out there.
He will be 36 years old by the time training camp kicks off in late July. That should also see his physical ability dwindle. No matter what, he should be able to bring some experience to a backup role that needs some aid. The connection between Tannehill and Smith is an obvious one. They had some of their best career years together.
Smith was the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans when Tannehill put up career numbers. They were even able to have some competitive playoff battles together too. Not saying that Tannehill will fix the quarterback issue in Pittsburgh, but it would make sense for the Steelers to have interest. If he gets signed this offseason, it has Smith's name written all over it.
Mason Rudolph remains the top priority to return for the Steelers
It has been said by many in the building that Mason Rudolph will try to be re-signed this offseason. Both Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney have been open to the idea of bringing back Rudolph as they recognize the change in the offense's output when he took over as the starter. The big question will remain if that is the right decision by the Steelers.
Mitch Trubisky has to be cut this offseason and look for employment elsewhere. He lost his backup role and cost too much money. If Rudolph does come back for more money, then it makes little sense to keep Trubisky. Having Pickett and Rudolph as the only options to battle for the starting spot should leave fans nervous as neither have seen tons of success.
Rudolph did play well down the stretch, but he might not be able to sustain that over a 17-game schedule. Pickett is there and it seems like he will be given every opportunity to keep his starting spot. Rudolph outplayed Pickett in every start that he was given and that should be pretty eye-opening for these coaches. Smith is someone who could change the quarterback room.
Smith enters this job with hopes of turning Pickett around, but he will likely have plenty of free roam to pick the best starter on the roster. The Steelers desperately want Pickett to work out as a starter for this team. With their season concluding press conferences, it sounds like many in the building are open to the idea of providing a short leash for Pickett. Rudolph will be the top option to challenge Pickett and other options will be there to fall back on.