The Pittsburgh Steelers only have one quarterback under contract for the 2024 season ahead of the start of free agency and that is third-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. The Steelers typically carry three quarterbacks on their roster, so additions at that position are inevitable. The Steelers have been connected to Justin Fields, and most recently to free agent quarterback Russell Wilson who they have been reported to be interested in meeting with.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin have been clear in stating that the organization still has full faith in Pickett, however both decision makers have expressed desire in providing strong competition for Pickett ahead of the 2024 season. There are plenty of options at quarterback for the Steelers to bring in during free agency, including Wilson.
Teams can start negotiating with free agents on March 11th, and can officially sign players on March 13th. Jenna Harner recently sat down with Khan, and asked whether or not the Steelers will have signed a quarterback once free agency officially kicks off.
“I would say, right now, we always carry three quarterbacks on the roster. I think it’s safe to assume we will do the same, we usually take four to camp, but right now we have one quarterback under contract, and there’s work to be done. I would say that we are looking at all options and all avenues to address those open positions. We’ll see where it goes, but I’ve said this since I got this job, competition is really important for me regardless of position, and that doesn’t exclude the quarterback position. We’re looking forward to bringing good football players in.”
Khan makes it clear the front office is being thorough in evaluating all options and avenues. This means free agent quarterbacks who won’t be available until free agency kicks off, quarterbacks who could be signed now because they were released like Wilson, quarterbacks available via trade like Fields, and quarterbacks that will be available in the 2024 NFL Draft. All are options when it comes to acquiring quarterbacks.
The Steelers used a first-round pick to select Pickett in the 2022 NFL Draft, and his career has not lived up to expectations throughout his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. The offense has struggled as a whole, and so has Pickett.
A lot of the struggle can be attributed to former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, who was one of the worst play callers in the NFL during his tenure with the Steelers. Regardless, Pittsburgh wants to upgrade the quarterback room and provide better competition for Pickett by bringing in available players like Wilson.
Wilson’s time with the Denver Broncos was less than spectacular, although he quietly put together a very impressive season in 2023. He threw for 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions with a passer rating of 98. He proved he can still perform at a high level, and would be the strong competition for Pickett that Khan has desired.
Steelers Have Plenty Of Options To Bring In At Quarterback
Wilson would be a big splash for the Steelers if they were to sign him, but there are plenty of other available quarterbacks that don’t have the same football pedigree as Wilson. Ryan Tannehill is a free agent who was coached by new Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith during his most successful years with the Tennessee Titans. Drew Lock and Sam Darnold are two former high round draft picks that are free agents who have proved they are capable as backups, who would be right on Pickett’s heels in a quarterback competition during training camp.
The Steelers could also look to add a quarterback through the NFL Draft, specifically with a late pick. Prospects of note include Spencer Rattler, Joe Milton, Sam Hartman, or Michael Pratt. The Steelers also have a good chance of bringing back Mason Rudolph. Regardless of how the Steelers wish to proceed when it comes to adding quarterbacks, there are plenty of options through different avenues to find the proper competition for Pickett.
