Steelers Rumors: Kenny Pickett, Arthur Smith Had 'Great' Meeting but QB Battle Eyed

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for an offseason of figuring out the quarterback position, Kenny Pickett and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith reportedly had a "great" meeting recently, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler also reported that the feeling around the NFL combine in Indianapolis this week is that the Steelers will give Pickett another chance under center next season, though there will likely still be a quarterback competition between him and Mason Rudolph.

"Even as they sort out their quarterback outlook, the Steelers have started the process of rebuilding third-year passer Kenny Pickett," Fowler wrote. "I'm told new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith recently spent time with Pickett in South Florida and that the two had a 'great' meeting. The sentiment among many here in Indy -- including some with the team -- was that Pickett could get another chance after a disastrous 2023 season due in part to the offense's overall struggles under then-OC Matt Canada. Smith should help maximize Pickett's skill set.

"There's also little doubt Pittsburgh will bring in quarterback competition, which could spark a Mason Rudolph re-signing."

In 12 games last season, Pickett notched 2,070 passing yards six touchdowns and four interceptions, showing little to no improvement from his rookie season.

Rudolph, who started three regular-season games, had 719 passing yards and three touchdowns, leading Pittsburgh to wins in all of his starts. In the Steelers' wild-card game against the Buffalo Bills, Rudolph had 229 yards, a pair of touchdowns and an interception.