Steelers HC Mike Tomlin reveals plans for QB in 2024

The Steelers have an important decision to make at quarterback this offseason and head coach Mike Tomlin gave a sneak peek of what to expect on Thursday.

Tomlin told reporters that Kenny Pickett will return as the QB1 in 2024 but that he "will definitely have competition."

Pickett has shown some promise throughout his first two seasons. But at the end of the day, he has not been good enough, throwing for just 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 games.

Tomlin acknowledges it is a make-it-or-break-it year for the No. 20 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft but that he's still confident in his young QB.

"It is a huge year for him," Tomlin said. "But I'm also excited to watch him wear that component because I know how he's wired."

Only time will tell who his competition will be, but Tomlin added that the team hopes to have QB Mason Rudolph back next season as well.

Rudolph has a big decision to make himself this offseason as he is slated to become a free agent. The six-year veteran should have several suitors after impressing over the final month of the season. Over the last four games, he passed for 945 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.

But whether it's Pickett or Rudolph, Tomlin seems to believe that "next year's quarterback" is on the current roster.

That's not exactly what fans were hoping to hear following yet another disappointing season that ended with the team's fifth straight playoff loss.

Pittsburgh is looking at outside options for its new offensive coordinator, who could certainly help raise the level of play at quarterback. But the fact is that none of the Steelers quarterbacks have shown enough to earn the QB1 job in 2024.

Tomlin didn't want to speculate on other quarterbacks being potentially available, but it seems like the team could be running it back once again next season, hoping for different results.