The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing an unexpected quarterback dilemma ahead of the 2024 season. After Ben Roethlisberger retired at the end of the 2021 season, the team recalled Kenny Pickett from the University of Pittsburgh and signed veteran Mitch Trubisky as a free agent. The two battled with longtime backup Mason Rudolph for a starting spot on the team. After Trubisky took over, many believed the Steelers had the future face of the franchise in Pickett, but the road has been rocky.
Rudolph’s impressive performance over the final three games of the regular season seemed to prove that Pickett was not the answer. Rudolph seems to want a fresh start, and the Steelers picked too low to land a top college quarterback in free agency. Several quarterbacks have been linked to the Steelers recently, including Russell Wilson, Ryan Tannehill, Justin Fields and Kirk Cousins. But now a new name is emerging: Mac Jones of the New England Patriots. Do the Steelers and Mack Jones make sense together?
Jones was selected by the Patriots with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, where he played alongside Naji Harris for the Steelers. Although Jones wasn’t drafted immediately after Tom Brady left New England, his shadow still loomed large and left any quarterback with big shoes to fill.After a strong rookie season, Jones finished second in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. He began to struggle in his second year and eventually earned a spot in his third season.The reasons for Jones’ problems vary depending on who you ask. Many believe his former offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, is part of the problem.
When McDaniels left to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Patriots hired Bill O’Brien as their new offensive coordinator, Jones appeared to return to his rookie form. But the success was short-lived.Now, Ian Rapoport expects the Patriots to part ways with Jones this offseason and use the third overall pick in 2024 to find a new quarterback (such as Jayden Daniels or Drake May), while Draft’s Justin Melo Network expects Jones to be hired by the Steelers. It is reported that it will be. An update from Pickett is available.
“Jones has not lived up to expectations as a 2021 first-round pick, with the former Alabama tight end regressing each season and the organization compromising its long-term vision. Jones enters the 2024 signing season, but any franchise that trades him will inherit a manageable cap hit of less than $5 million,” Melo wrote.The small-cap hit is huge for Pittsburgh, as they are currently expected to fill that hole with nearly $15 million. Having the Steelers deal with Pickett’s rookie contract helped them invest money in other areas of need. Jones doesn’t ask for the kind of money someone like Cousins does. “The Steelers will add an experienced quarterback this offseason,” Melo said. “In just three years as a pro, Jones has attempted 1,308 passes, nearly double Kenny Pickett’s career pass attempts.
The Steelers were linked to incoming free agent Ryan Tannehill over the weekend. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith previously served as Tannehill’s offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans and helped the team to the AFC Championship game. Smith has a history of convincing middle majors like Tannehill to play. “Tannehill-Pittsburgh will look to continue the momentum, but acquiring a cheaper, younger quarterback like Jones would be an option.”It would be unfair to place all the blame for the Patriots’ struggles on Jones’ shoulders. As with the Steelers, the fault lies not with Pickett alone, but with many.
Jones struggled with his feet and accuracy, but he certainly had some questionable calls, just like he did in Pittsburgh. There were also concerns about Jones’ supporting role.Jones and the Steelers could give each other a fresh start. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is expected to bring a pass-centric, play-action offense to Pittsburgh, and a quarterback like Jones would fit well in the system. Although players were reluctant to throw Pickett under the bus, several players commented on the team’s success with Rudolph after the season.
