Locked On: Are Steelers Giving Up on Kenny Pickett’s Development with Arthur Smith Hire?
Arthur Smith failed to develop Desmond Ridder in Atlanta and has never coached quarterbacks before.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made their move at offensive coordinator on Thursday, hiring former Atlanta Falcons head coach and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to replace Matt Canada.
Smith makes a lot of sense for the Steelers because of his work with the running game, especially his time in Tennessee, when he helped the Titans offensive improve while still keeping the focus on running back Derrick Henry.
But what about quarterback, where the Steelers seem determined not to give up on third-year quarterback Kenny Pickett? Pickett did not show much development in 2023 before he lost his job first to injury and then to Mason Rudolph. Smith was an offensive line and tight ends coach before he ran the Tennessee offense and failed to develop fellow 2022 draftee Desmond Ridder in Atlanta.
So what happens with Pickett now? Are the Steelers giving up on his development with the hire of Smith, or do they have another move coming?
Alan Saunders joined Chris Carter on the Locked On Podcast to discuss that, as well as breaking down the first day of Senior Bowl practice from Mobile, Alabama, where Mike Tomlin was intently watching the offensive linemen, and the stars and skulls grades from the entire 2023 season at the wide receiver position.
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