If the Pittsburgh Steelers decide they aren’t content with Kenny Pickett as the starting quarterback, they could end up looking to free agency for a starter. Here are the five best options for the Steelers based on market value as estimated by Spotrac.
1 - Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
1 yrs, $4,967,594
Spotrac projects that Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is going to sign with a team on a one-year deal to prove his worth and then cash in. This alone makes him a great option for the Steelers along with his familiarity with new Steelers OC Arthur Smith.
2 - Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts
Gardner Minshew could be looking for a chance to start with the return of Anthony Richardson and his underrated status is even more clear when you consider he made the Pro Bowl last season. His value is slightly higher than Tannehill’s but still very manageable.
2 yrs, $10,761,096
3 - Tyrod Taylor, New York Giants
Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor would probably be higher here is he wasn’t 34 years old. Taylor has always been underrated as a player and would be a low-cost option who could help be a bridge to a future franchise QB.
2 yrs, $6,750,391
4 - Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Now we get into the big-money options with higher ceilings. Baker Mayfield has quieted all his critics and is going to make some team pay for his big 2023 season. He’s probably out of the Steelers budget unless he’s willing to keep the guaranteed money to a minimum.
4 yrs, $108,512,500
5 - Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
We include Kirk Cousins here but realistically I see no reason to bring in a 35-year-old quarterback who wants a guaranteed contract of $100 million or more. Cousins could sit for a while until he’s willing to reconsider his market value.
3 yrs, $118,145,778
