NFL writer predicts Steelers sign former Pro Bowl quarterback

An NFL writer is predicting the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign a former Pro Bowl quarterback in free agency, and no; it isn’t Russell Wilson.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports sees the Steelers bringing in Ryan Tannehill this offseason, citing the fact that Arthur Smith is now Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator as a reason for the fit.

Smith was Tannehill’s offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans for the two best years of Tannehill’s career in 2019 and 2020, with the veteran signal-caller making the Pro Bowl in the former campaign.

Of course, Tannehill is hardly the same player now that he was then.

This past season, Tannehill played in 10 games and made eight starts and was benched in favor of rookie Will Levis midway through the year. During his time on the field in 2023, Tannehill struggled, throwing for 1,616 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 64.8 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 78.5.

Tannehill, who played his collegiate football at Texas A&M, was originally selected by the Miami Dolphins with the eighth overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.

He spent the first seven years of his career with the Dolphins, but did not truly blossom until he joined the Titans in 2019.

That year, he appeared in 12 contests with 10 starts and totaled 2,742 yards, 22 touchdowns and six picks while completing 70.3 percent of his throws and registering a league-high passer rating of 117.5 en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.

Then, in 2020, Tannehill enjoyed what was probably the best season of his career, recording 3,819 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 65.5 percent of his passes and tallying a 106.5 passer rating.

The 35-year-old has declined significantly since then, but perhaps the Steelers can see if he still has something left in the tank.