Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers may be disappointed with the oddsmakers’ assessment of their prospects of acquiring a new quarterback during the 2024 NFL offseason.
Following Kenny Pickett’s struggles in his first two seasons in the league, there was some expectation that the team might sign a big star to take over.
There have been four quarterbacks mentioned as potential offseason upgrades for the Steelers.
The quarterbacks are Justin Fields, Baker Mayfield, Russell Wilson, and Kirk Cousins.
On February 6, DraftKings Sportsbook began offering bets on where some of the key free players from the 2024 offseason would play in 2024.
Mayfield did not have odds mentioned, which could signal that he is anticipated to stay with the Buccaneers.
The Steelers have +2500 odds of landing Cousins. They are +1400 to get Wilson. Their best opportunity is Fields, whom they have odds of +1000 to obtain.
There are at least five clubs that have a greater chance than the Steelers of landing each of these quarterbacks.
It doesn’t auger well for anybody expecting for an upgrade during the 2024 offseason, but circumstances may alter to make a deal more feasible for the Steelers.
How The Odds Could Change
While the Steelers’ chances of acquiring a new quarterback do not appear to be good right now, there are a few moves that could benefit them.
The most obvious move that will impact the chances for one of these acquisitions is the Broncos’ decision to release Wilson. They currently have the second best odds of being his team next season.
If they release him as planned, the odds will immediately change.
The next alteration will not result from a single move, but from decisions made by teams across the league.
The Commanders have superior odds than the Steelers for each quarterback. They also control the NFL draft’s second overall choice.
They are anticipated to use the pick on a quarterback. If they decide that QB will be their starter right away or early in year one, they will be considerably less inclined to chase a well-known veteran.
The same is true for the Patriots, who control the third pick in the draft. Their decision is less apparent, since they might possibly choose Marvin Harrison Jr. However, if they choose a quarterback, they will be less inclined to chase a veteran, as Mac Jones might serve as starter until the rookie is ready.
Instead of re-signing Cousins, the Vikings might choose to pick a quarterback and begin planning their future. They began getting rid of veteran players previous summer and went 7-10 in 2023.
If any of these clubs drop out of the race for a quarterback, the Steelers’ chances of landing one improve significantly.
If not, the team could consider alternative possibilities that are not necessarily upgrades but will provide depth.
Other options the Steelers could pursue.
While the Steelers may not receive their quarterback improvement, they could still obtain a capable backup for Pickett.
Ryan Tannehill is the most favoured name since Arthur Smith’s hiring. He was Smith’s quarterback at Tennessee, so he should be familiar with the offence. He struggled in 2023, but he played for a squad with a poor offensive line and just one proven pass catcher.
With some quality receiving options and the prospect of making adjustments to enhance the O-line, he may be a good insurance option for his former offensive coordinator.
Gardner Minshew will be available, having nearly led the Colts to the playoffs. He has largely been a backup during his career, although he has produced respectable results when called upon to start.
He’d be a nice challenge for Pickett and a viable alternative if he needed to step up for the Steelers.
Jacoby Brissett has extensive expertise under centre and makes few mistakes. That may make him an ideal backup for a run-first squad.
The Steelers may not sign a major star during the 2024 offseason, but there are several possibilities available that they may be satisfied with if they do not.
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