If this statement from Mike Tomlin Thursday doesn't describe the outlook on Kenny Pickett for 2024 and beyond with the Steelers, it's hard to tell what would.
"Certainly, it's a big year for him," Tomlin said. "We met this morning, and we acknowledged that. It is a huuuuuuge year for him. But I'm also excited about just watching him wear that component of it because I just, I know how he's wired and built and I'm excited about watching him attack it."
By all indications of that meeting and based on what Tomlin said about Pickett in his season-ending press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, this calendar year is Pickett's last to prove himself to this organization.
Tomlin spoke deliberately, fluidly, passionately, and honestly about his quarterbacks going into this offseason. He acknowledged the obvious in the process.
Based on the results Mason Rudolph provided in the final three games of the season, he's going to have a shot at de-throning Pickett as the starting quarterback Week 1 in 2024 as long as he re-signs with the Steelers in free agency.
It's hard to ignore what Rudolph did, and the locker room shares strong feelings about Rudolph as a player. Rudolph tested free agency last year and came back to Pittsburgh to become the third quarterback to Pickett and Mitch Trubisky.
A question asked in that press conference Thursday: "Will Kenny resume his QB1 status?"
The answer from Tomlin: "You know, he will, but obviously there will be competition. There's always competition in this thing. We don't anoint anyone. Man, I'm appreciative of his efforts and where he is and excited about continuing to work with him. But certainly, he will be challenged from a competition perspective moving forward. Competition brings the best out in all of us."
Just when Tomlin thought he had the answer, Rudolph changed the question with his play.
There's one major factor that will swing the decision of who the 2024 starting quarterback is, and that is the hiring of a new offensive coordinator.
This coordinator can take the position into five different directions:
1. Pickett.
2. Rudolph.
3. A free-agent signing.
4. A trade acquisition.
5. A drafted rookie.
Tomlin noting the new coordinator is being sought from outside the walls of the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex indicates he is willing to embrace change. Promoting Eddie Faulkner or Mike Sullivan to the post full-time would be a lateral move from Matt Canada, and Sullivan has not showed he is best for Pickett's development. Tomlin acknowledged the new coordinator's ability to get the best out of his quarterback is a "significant component" of his search, and that could mean getting it out of one of those above five options.
Tomlin said this new coordinator will be hired by the triumvirate of Art Rooney II, Omar Khan, and himself. Those interviews will definitely include Pickett's name in some fashion, but to what extent?
Many things could come of this: Rooney, Khan, Tomlin, a combination of two, or all three of them could press to the prospective coordinator that their goal is the get the best out of Pickett, who is a first-round draft pick still on a rookie contract for two seasons with an option for a third season.
Or, they could gauge the prospective coordinator's tone on Pickett. Or, they could check on what the prospect feels is best for the direction of the position. That latter option would revert a decision on going with Rudolph, a free agent, a trade acquisition, or a rookie.
One thing that's certain is this: Whether the competition is from Rudolph, a veteran acquisition, or a rookie draft pick, Pickett's name will be in the mix for 2024.
That's per Tomlin, directly.
"I'm extremely confident in him," Tomlin said. "I feel stronger about some of the intangible things than I did obviously when we first started doing business with him because I have evidence of it. He's highly competitive and professional. He doesn't run from challenges; he runs to challenges. I think that's evident in the way he plays, particularly at the end of close football games. He's got a good framework to work with and for a young guy he's mature beyond his years. I'm excited about him."
It's about the intangibles for Pickett, but Pickett will have to show tangible results in order to keep his job.
One other thing that's certain is this: Pickett's position is in a less-than-firm status compared to where he was at this time last offseason.
When the 2022 season ended, there was no question of who the Steelers' quarterback would be in 2023. It was "go" time for No. 8 and improvements were widely expected into his sophomore season. That cooled off rapidly after a blazing preseason. The Steelers' offense was stuck in the mud for 11 weeks. Then Canada was fired at the end of November. Then Pickett got hurt. Then Rudolph did what he did.
That all has led us to this point.
For those who have listened to Chris Halicke and me on "The South Side Beat" here on DKPS, you'll know that I've been consistent in saying this: I want to see Pickett develop and grow within a real offensive coordinator and a real system that can benefit his growth.
I completely acknowledge and appreciate what Rudolph did for the Steelers over the final three games of the regular season. I also won't let that change my stance on Pickett. There is still potential there because of his intangibles. The right coordinator -- and a good one, at that -- should be able to develop and coach up his tangibles.
It is not forgone that Pickett cannot not improve. It is not written in the stars that he will, either. But, if Rudolph can go from the end of the bench to where he is now, who is to say Pickett cannot develop with a new coordinator?
The Steelers are going to try to get that out of him with this competition dictated by Tomlin. Pickett will have one more shot to prove it in 2024. Otherwise this organization will cut the loss of a failed first-round pick, wipe its hands clean, and move forward.
