Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus admitted that with Arthur Smith as the team’s new offensive coordinator, Ryan Tannehill makes the most sense as a free agent quarterback addition for the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the February 2 episode of the PFF NFL Show, however, Spielberger identified the Steelers as one of his preferred landing spots for quarterback Kirk Cousins.
“Ryan Tannehill is the easier connection because of the Tennessee days with [him and Arthur Smith],” Spielberger told ESPN. “But I also wonder if [the Steelers] sit there and say, ‘Look, we’ve gone 9-8, 10-7 the last several years with, honestly, replacement-level quarterback play. Without a doubt, this is below ordinary.
“I believe Cameron Heyward will turn 35 next year. T.J. Watt will turn 30. I’m sure he’ll be terrific for a few more years, but maybe they just want to create a splash. Go get Kirk Cousins, and we think we can win a couple playoff games with everything the same but then you add in a definite upgrade at quarterback.’
“I think Pittsburgh becomes fascinating there.”
Cousins, who might yet re-sign with the Minnesota Vikings, will be the league’s top free agency quarterback this offseason.
Cousins, who will turn 36 in August, has a 76-67-2 record as an NFL starter. He led the Vikings to a 4-4 record in 2023 before tearing his right Achilles tendon on October 29.
Cousins has a 1-3 postseason record. In 2024, the Steelers want to snap their five-game playoff losing run.
Kenny Pickett Not a good fit for Arthur Smith’s offense.
Cousins is clearly an upgrade over Kenny Pickett. There is no denying that.
But the second key reason Spielberger urged for Cousins to join the Steelers was because he does not think Pickett is a good match for Smith’s offense.
“Arthur Smith can change, I’m not saying he can’t,” Spielberger said. “But what he does historically, and what Kenny Pickett and this offense has done, not the same thing in any way shape or form.”
Spielberger cited outer zone runs and play-action throws as examples. According to the PFF analyst, the Steelers ranked in the lowest third of both categories with Pickett last season. However, Smith’s offense with the Atlanta Falcons was ranked in the top two for both in 2023.
Smith also utilized a number of one-running back, two-tight end groupings in Atlanta. The Steelers haven’t used that configuration often with Pickett.
While Spielberger’s stats are intriguing, it’s worth noting that the Steelers fired prior offensive coordinator Matt Canada due to poor performance. It would be absurd for the Steelers’ next offensive coordinator to try the same plays, sets, and concepts as Canada.
What Kirk Cousins Might Bring to the Pittsburgh Steelers
But, offensive coordinator aside, Cousins is an improvement over Pickett.
Cousins has 4,000 throwing yards seven times in his 12-year NFL career. He also had three seasons with 30 touchdown passes.
In 25 NFL games, Pickett has passed for 4,474 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Cousins’ Achilles injury may be cause for concern, but his rehabilitation has gone well.
“We probably have another three or four months to go, whatever it is. But I’m excited to get out the other side and play next season,” Cousins told CBS Sports’ Isabel Gonzalez. “I’ll probably appreciate playing more than I ever have before.”
According to Spielberger, signing Cousins would be a splash. In other words, it is going to be quite expensive.
Cousins played the 2023 season on a $35 million contract that was fully guaranteed.
Although the experienced quarterback has a postseason record of.500 or lower, with Smith’s offense and Pittsburgh’s defense on his side, he may be able to see more playoff success.
