The Tennessee Titans are encouraged to sign the Pittsburgh Steelers’ highly skilled quarterback.

In the world of the NFL, quarterback play is often the defining factor in a team’s success. For the Tennessee Titans, a team in a transitional phase, finding a long-term solution at quarterback has become one of the most pressing issues. With Ryan Tannehill aging and inconsistent play from backup quarterbacks like Malik Willis, the Titans are in need of a quarterback who can lead them into the future and potentially return the team to playoff contention.

In a potential move that could shake up the AFC South, the Titans are being encouraged by analysts, fans, and pundits to pursue a quarterback who might be available from within the AFC North: Kenny Pickett of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 2022 first-round pick, who has shown flashes of talent during his first two seasons, could be a game-changer for the Titans. Although the Steelers may not be actively looking to trade Pickett, the prospect of the Titans acquiring him would give the franchise a fresh start at quarterback and a chance to revamp their offense.

In this article, we will explore why the Tennessee Titans are being encouraged to pursue Kenny Pickett, the impact his addition would have on the team, the logistics of acquiring him, and the potential benefits and challenges of such a move. With the Titans at a crossroads, a move for Pickett could help secure the franchise’s future and provide the team with a quarterback capable of leading them for the next decade.

The Tennessee Titans: A Franchise in Transition

The Titans have experienced a relatively successful period in the past decade, with strong seasons under head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Ryan Tannehill. However, the team has never been able to consistently compete for a Super Bowl, largely due to the limitations of their quarterback play. Tannehill has been a steady presence for the Titans since joining the team in 2019, leading them to multiple playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship Game appearance in 2019. But, with Tannehill’s contract expiring soon and his age working against him, the Titans are faced with the dilemma of finding their next franchise quarterback.

While the Titans have an intriguing young talent in Malik Willis, the former third-round pick, his development has been slow, and his inconsistent play last season raised questions about his readiness to take over as a starter. The Titans need a quarterback who can come in and make an immediate impact, not just in terms of physical talent but also in leadership, decision-making, and poise under pressure. As a team that prides itself on defense and the running game, having a quarterback who can make key throws in clutch situations is essential for achieving long-term success.

With the 2025 NFL Draft offering top-tier quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, the Titans could still be in the mix to select a future franchise QB, but adding a player like Kenny Pickett would provide them with an instant starter, giving them the stability they need while still having flexibility in the draft. This is where the idea of acquiring Pickett comes into play. The young signal-caller could potentially be the answer to the Titans’ quarterback woes and help guide them back to playoff contention.

Kenny Pickett: A Rising Star in the NFL

Kenny Pickett, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed promise during his rookie season. The former Pitt Panthers star was praised for his ability to lead the Steelers’ offense with poise and confidence, particularly in a rookie season that was marked by the challenges of transitioning to the NFL and playing under a conservative offensive scheme. Despite some growing pains, Pickett’s performance demonstrated the qualities that NFL teams look for in a young quarterback: accuracy, intelligence, mobility, and an ability to lead in high-pressure situations.

Throughout his rookie year, Pickett showed solid improvement and ended the season with over 2,400 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. His numbers didn’t jump off the page, but the most important takeaway was his ability to thrive in clutch moments. Pickett led the Steelers to several game-winning drives, showing his ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations and his knack for making key throws when it mattered most. These qualities have sparked optimism in Pittsburgh, but the possibility of a trade could create an opportunity for a team like the Titans to acquire a young quarterback with starting experience and significant upside.

Pickett is an athletic quarterback with the ability to extend plays with his legs, and he demonstrated that in college with his dual-threat ability. While not known for being an explosive runner, he can make plays outside of the pocket, something that would fit well with Tennessee’s offensive scheme, which often utilizes play-action to open up passing lanes. His college success—especially in a pro-style offense—gives him a skill set that could easily transition to the NFL, making him an intriguing prospect for the Titans.

Why the Titans Should Pursue Kenny Pickett

1. Immediate Starter with Upside: One of the most appealing aspects of acquiring Kenny Pickett is that he would immediately step in as the starting quarterback for the Titans. Unlike other rookie quarterbacks, who might need significant development, Pickett has already gained valuable experience in the NFL. His ability to play through rookie struggles and find success in crunch time would bode well for a Titans team that needs a signal-caller to contribute right away. Additionally, Pickett has shown a good command of the game, which could allow the Titans to minimize the learning curve.
2. Fit with Tennessee’s Offensive System: The Titans run an offense that relies heavily on the running game and play-action passing, which is a style that plays to Pickett’s strengths. He’s shown the ability to perform under center and execute play-action passes effectively, and he would benefit from a dynamic running back like Derrick Henry. The Titans’ offensive line, although aging, is still one of the better units in the league, providing Pickett with the protection he needs to thrive. Furthermore, Pickett has the mobility to extend plays, which would be valuable behind an offensive line that has occasionally struggled with pass protection.
3. Leadership and Clutch Play: Pickett’s leadership and composure in high-pressure situations are qualities that would help the Titans immensely. The Titans have often found themselves in tight games, where a quarterback’s ability to step up and make crucial throws late in the game can decide the outcome. Pickett has already shown he can make those types of plays, something that will resonate with the Titans, who have historically struggled in these situations with Tannehill.
4. Team Building and Long-Term Success: Acquiring Pickett would allow the Titans to start building their offense around a young quarterback who has the potential to grow with the team. Instead of gambling on an unproven prospect in the draft, or sticking with an aging Tannehill, the Titans could secure their quarterback of the future while remaining competitive in the present. In contrast to a rookie quarterback, Pickett’s starting experience would likely allow the team to be more competitive immediately, while still maintaining the flexibility to build around him over the long term.
5. Low Trade Cost and Potential Return on Investment: While Pickett is still a relatively unproven quarterback, his potential upside could make him a reasonable trade target. The Steelers may be unwilling to move on from him so soon, but if they did, the Titans could acquire him for a lower price compared to a player like Aaron Rodgers or Lamar Jackson, who would demand a king’s ransom in terms of draft picks and players. A trade for Pickett could require the Titans to part with a first or second-round pick, and possibly another draft asset, but given Pickett’s current level of play and potential, the trade could be seen as a bargain in the long run.

How the Titans Could Make the Trade Work

Making a trade for Kenny Pickett would likely require the Titans to offer a combination of draft picks and possibly a player in return. The Steelers are unlikely to part with their young starting quarterback without a significant offer, but it is possible that the Steelers would be open to discussions, especially if they feel that Pickett is not the long-term answer or if they are looking to move in a different direction.

Possible trade scenarios could include:

• Tennessee Titans Receive: Kenny Pickett, 2025 4th-round pick
• Pittsburgh Steelers Receive: 2025 1st-round pick, 2025 3rd-round pick, and a player (such as Malik Willis or Trey Burks)

This type of trade would give the Steelers a strong draft haul and a developmental quarterback in Willis, while the Titans would acquire a player with starting experience who could provide immediate dividends. The inclusion of a future 1st-round pick would sweeten the deal for Pittsburgh and could allow the Titans to get their quarterback of the future.

Challenges to a Potential Trade

While the move for Kenny Pickett seems like an ideal solution for the Titans, there are some potential obstacles that could make a trade difficult. First and foremost, the Steelers may not be willing to part with their young quarterback, especially after a solid showing in his rookie season. There’s also the possibility that Pickett’s development could be closely tied to the Steelers’ overall success, and moving him could signal a shift in their organizational philosophy.

Additionally, acquiring Pickett would mean the Titans have to find a way to ensure they don’t sacrifice too many future assets in the process. Trading away high-value picks could set the team back in other areas, especially when trying to build a well-rounded roster around their new quarterback.