Analyst: Steelers’ Bold Prediction is Ryan Tannehill Starts Games in 2024

With a connection to new Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the rumors of Pittsburgh at least looking into adding Ryan Tannehill are swirling. And if Mason Rudolph does walk to another team, a Tannehill signing makes a lot of sense in the second-tier of free-agent quarterbacks.

Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated made a bold prediction for every team, and his bold prediction for the Steelers is that at some point in 2024, Tannehill will start games for the team.

“This isn’t an anti-Kenny Pickett take, but it is an acknowledgment that the Steelers have some pressure to perform, they play in a tough division and were aggressive in pursuing Arthur Smith when Smith was let go by the Atlanta Falcons. Mason Rudolph is a pending free agent, and while he may end up possessing a higher upside than Tannehill, the Steelers could find some Tommy Maddox-style magic in the arm of the former first-round pick,” Orr wrote.

In an update on the quarterback market, NFL Network insiders Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport, and Mike Garafolo compiled what they heard about each spot that could have quarterback attrition. It seems they are expected to explore adding Tannehill to the roster with Pittsburgh.

“With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the expectation is Pittsburgh will explore adding free agent Ryan Tannehill, who had his best years with the Titans while Smith was the OC there,” they wrote.

All in all, the Titans had a successful season with Smith at the helm, including a trip to the AFC Championship, but things will be different this time. But that means, with Tannehill scheduled to be a free agent, he could end up coming to Pittsburgh.

Smith will be bringing in a new scheme and playbook. Getting Pickett up to speed in the new offense will be the new coaching staff’s first and most important job. There isn’t going to be a lot of time for them to be spreading his efforts around. 

So it makes a lot of sense if the second quarterback is someone that is already familiar with Smith’s offensive scheme and playbook. As the Steelers are likely looking to add a veteran, that new quarterback could be almost like a second quarterbacks coach — they need one of those as well — in the room along with Pickett and potentially another younger passer.