Could Ryan Tannehill Land With the Steelers? “That’s the First Name I Look To”

Mark Bergin and Ike Taylor discuss the Steelers backup QB position, and how Ryan Tannehill could be a viable backup.

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a bit of a mystery in terms of their quarterback position. If they choose to still start Kenny Pickett, they will need a viable backup in case Pickett is injured or can't cut it. 

The Steelers have just hired Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, and Smith has plenty of familiarity with Ryan Tannehill, who is now a free agent. Mark Bergin of Bleav in Steelers discusses the possibility that Tannehill could land with Pittsburgh. 

"Whoever you bring in, whether its competition or whether you roll with Kenny Pickett as the starter, the backup role is going to be very important at the quarterback position. The first name I look to, considering that you bring in Arthur Smith, is his familiarity with Ryan Tannehill—who is a free agent. So, that's the first name I look at from a free-agent standpoint is if you're not able to bring Mason Rudolph back, that is a possibility for Pittsburgh."

via Mark Bergin, Bleav in Steelers

Tannehill has proven that his status as a starter is not the best bet any longer, but he could and would be a huge backup. The Steelers might not be able to keep Mason Rudolph simply for how he played in the 2023 season. 

As much as fans want the QB position to be locked in, luck has not been on the Steelers' side. Pickett might be the starter, but having a safety net like Tannehill would be smart at this juncture. 

Rudolph amassed 719 yards and 3 TDs, which could fetch him something along a two-year deal with a team willing to pay more for his services. The Steelers would just have to pivot and land someone like Tannehill, who has deep connections to new OC Smith. Tannehill and Smith worked together for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.