Arthur Smith’s Initial Interview May Have Hinted at the Steelers’ Decision Regarding the QB

Arthur Smith’s Initial Interview May Have Hinted at the Steelers’ Decision Regarding the QB

Steelers supporters have been waiting to find out what the team will do regarding their quarterback issue for the most of the NFL offseason.

Perhaps throughout the weekend, they received a response.

As the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith conducted his first interview with Missi Matthews of Steelers.com. on February 3. Smith spoke about developing a friendship with Kenny Pickett, referring to him as “the quarterback,” in an interview

“My relationship with Kenny needs to be developed,” Smith remarked. And between the quarterback and the play caller, that is extremely important.

Importantly, Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review noted that Mason Rudolph was not mentioned once during the interview.

There’s a chance that Pickett is already considered the starting quarterback for the Steelers. despite the fact that the team has already declared that there will be rivalry.

Arthur Smith’s Initial Interview May Have Hinted at the Steelers’ Decision Regarding the QB

Putting pressure on Pickett
The Steelers have been disappointed with Pickett’s first two seasons of play.

Though he has started in both seasons and gained a 7–5 record, his performances haven’t lived up to his record.

In his 24 starts, he has only thrown 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. In his starts, he also yields less than 200 passing yards a game on average.

It appears that the Steelers will give him one more season to establish his worth as their starting quarterback moving forward.

Pickett is under pressure, though. Since the Steelers haven’t won a postseason game since 2016, the team’s supporters and ownership are becoming agitated.

Despite closing the regular season with three straight victories, Rudolph was unable to guide the squad to the playoffs.

Alternatives Should Rudolph Quit the Steelers

In the event that Rudolph is not included in the Steelers’ plans, they will have to find another player to cover for Pickett.

During the 2023 season, we witnessed that Mitch Trubisky is not the solution. They will then have to look for a backup on the free agent market.

Ryan Tannehill is now the obvious pick after Smith’s hiring.

Although his time as a starting NFL player is running out, the Steelers might find value in having him as an insurance policy. He spent two years as Smith’s quarterback in Tennessee.

Recently, it has been apparent that, Jacoby Brissett is a respectable “competition” alternative. As a backup and starter, Brissett has a plenty of experience.

Another intriguing candidate is Sam Darnold, who had a breakout season last year when given the chance to start for the Panthers.

Despite his own poor first-round QB experience, he might provide the Steelers with future choices.

If they manage to hang around even if Pickett disappoints, they’ll have to think about what the upcoming year holds.500.

If they can’t find a franchise quarterback in 2025 and Pickett isn’t the solution, Darnold at least gives them an alternative.

One of the most crucial decisions the Steelers make the remainder of the summer will be regarding their backup quarterback if Pickett is indeed the team’s top choice for 2024.

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