As an avid supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is deeply invested in the team’s success. However, he’s become increasingly concerned about the current state of their quarterback position and is openly advocating for change.

During a recent episode of First Take, Smith expressed his frustration, admitting that he’s reached a point of desperation for the Steelers to make a significant move at quarterback.

He even went as far as suggesting that he’d prefer to see Kirk Cousins play through injury rather than continue with the current rotation of Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph.

“You know it’s bad when I don’t even mind if Kirk Cousins comes (to Pittsburgh). That’s how bad the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation is… He’s out right? Damn it he could crawl back and I’ll take him over what the hell I’ve seen in Pittsburgh! Him, or Russell Wilson!”

It’s no secret that the Steelers have struggled in the quarterback department over the past couple of seasons. Since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, their passing game has consistently ranked near the bottom of the league.

Despite managing a 9-8 record in 2023, the team’s success was largely overshadowed by their lackluster offensive performance. They frequently found themselves outmatched on offense, with opposing teams often outgaining them.

It’s evident that the Steelers need to modernize their offensive approach. Relying solely on a run-heavy strategy and stout defense is no longer a sustainable formula for success in today’s NFL.

Whether it involves pursuing top-tier free agent quarterbacks or investing in a promising prospect through the NFL Draft, the Steelers must take decisive action to address their quarterback situation and bring their offense into the 21st century.

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