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The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly interested in former Titans QB Ryan Tannehill. The news comes following the franchise’s hiring of Arthur Smith.
Smith was let go as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons after three seasons, and now, he’ll fall back into a play calling role for the Steelers. The team hired him as offensive coordinator in early February.
“It’s such a unique opportunity to be able to work for an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Smith. “With the history and the culture here, and the opportunity to work with Mike Tomlin, to me it’s a perfect cultural fit.”
Prior to being named part of the Pittsburgh staff, Smith spent time as an OC for the Tennessee Titans. Leading that offensive unit was signal caller Ryan Tannehill.
Tennessee ranked 10th and 4th in scoring in Smith’s two seasons as coordinator, and the play caller believes Tannehill was a big reason why.
Shortly after his hiring in Pittsburgh, the Steelers appear interested in bringing the veteran into the quarterback room.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay: The #Broncos face a crucial decision on Russell Wilson; The #Eagles are welcoming QB Jalen Hurts being more vocal and jovial; #Eagles edge Haason Reddick got permission to seek a trade; The #Steelers may inquire about free agent QB Ryan Tannehill. pic.twitter.com/YhxvkkdkLl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 11, 2024
The addition would give the position an instant boost in experience as Tannehill would seemingly come on in a mentoring role for third-year starter Kenny Pickett.
Unfortunately, tutelage might not be the passer’s strong suit.
The Titans drafted Malik Willis in the same class that Pittsburgh took Pickett, and Tannehill was less than interested in being the youngster’s teacher.
“That (competition) is part of being in the quarterback room, the same room,” he said when discussing Willis’s addition to the roster. “We’re competing against each other, we’re watching the same tape, we’re doing the same drills. I don’t think it’s my job to mentor him, but if he learns from me along the way, then that’s a great thing.”
Would he have that same outlook with the Steelers?
Pickett has been up and down as an NFL player, posting a 14-10 record as a starter. While he’s flashed his dual threat ability, he’s thrown as many interceptions (13) as touchdowns during his time under center.
A veteran presence in the QB room could be beneficial as the Steelers look to continue adding competition at the position. Based on those past comments, though, Tannehill might be more interested in surpassing Pickett on the depth chart as opposed to helping him better his game.