New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith Joins Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant change in their coaching staff for the 2024 NFL season, bringing in Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator. Smith, who previously served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, is tasked with revitalizing the Steelers’ offense, which has faced challenges in recent years.
Under the legendary Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have enjoyed 17 successful seasons, never experiencing a losing season and consistently earning at least eight wins. Their impressive track record includes 11 playoff appearances, but the team has fallen short of reaching the pinnacle of the NFL since 2010.
One glaring issue for the Steelers in recent years has been their offense, particularly during the two-year tenure of quarterback Kenny Pickett. Arthur Smith’s appointment as the new offensive coordinator aims to address this concern.
The decision to hire Smith has sparked some interesting conversations among fans and analysts alike. Some see Smith as a continuation of the Steelers’ conservative offensive approach, similar to what they ran under Tomlin. Smith’s background in Tennessee, where he favored a methodical, mistake-free offense, is reminiscent of Tomlin’s vision for the team.
However, there are also voices in the NFL community suggesting that Pittsburgh should have embraced a more innovative offensive philosophy. Some fans were hopeful for a coaching change that would bring a shift toward a more modern and dynamic offensive scheme featuring a mobile quarterback with a strong arm and a trio of capable wide receivers, along with a versatile running game.
Despite the desire for a fresh approach, the Steelers ultimately opted for the safe choice of Arthur Smith. Known for his ability to steady a ship, Smith is unlikely to make radical changes to the Steelers’ offensive playbook. Still, there is hope that his experience and knowledge will provide much-needed stability and improvement to the team.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, Steelers fans eagerly await the results of Arthur Smith’s influence on the offense. Whether he sticks to a more traditional playbook or introduces innovative changes, one thing is certain: the pressure is on for the Pittsburgh Steelers to return to their former glory and secure another Lombardi Trophy in the years to come. The Steelers currently boast +10000 odds to win the 2025 Super Bowl
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Rare Trade Proposal Lands Steelers 2-Time Super Bowl Champion
The Pittsburgh Steelers used the NFL draft to bolster their offensive line last offseason. The Bleacher Report NFL scouting department argued that the Steelers should pursue an unusual trade option to improve their offensive line in 2024.
Bleacher Report proposed the Steelers acquiring center Ted Karras from the Cincinnati Bengals.
“It’s tough to find a left tackle in the trade market who could replace Dan Moore Jr., but the task of finding an upgrade over Mason Cole at center isn’t as difficult,” the BR staff wrote. “Ted Karras is a solid veteran center who would upgrade the offensive line, and the Bengals would shed $6.4 million in cap space.”
Karras would be an upgrade over Steelers current starting center Mason Cole, who struggled significantly in 2023.
However, that fact could deter the Bengals from making such a move even if it saved them cap space. Trades within the same division are rare in the NFL, especially if they will tangibly make a rival better.
Before the Bengals, Karras played five seasons for the New England Patriots and one for the Miami Dolphins. With the Patriots, Karras won Super Bowls during the 2016-17 and 2018-19 seasons.
How Center Ted Karras Could Fit With the Steelers
Assuming the trade price was reasonably, the Steelers prying Karras away from their division rival would be a pretty significant move.
According to the Pro Football Focus player grades, Karras was the 11th-best center who played more than 1,000 snaps on offense last season. He posted a PFF grade of 67.4 out of 100.
It was the seventh straight season Karras finished with a PFF grade of 65 or higher.
Cole has recorded a PFF grade of below 60 in four of his six NFL seasons. He had a career-low 53.2 grade for the 2023 season.
Among centers with more than 1,000 snaps, Cole was ranked 18th out of 20.
Cole particularly struggled in pass protection. Among all centers who played last season, he was ranked 52nd out of 56 in pass blocking.
Pass protection is Karras’ strength. PFF rated him 22nd in pass blocking out of the 56 centers who played in 2023.
Upgrading center in any capacity will be key for the Steelers this offseason. But getting a center who is better in pass protection would be a great help for quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Could the Steelers Afford Karras?
Assuming the Bengals are interested in departing with Karras’ salary and sending him to a division rival, there is still one big question about whether the veteran center could fit in Pittsburgh.
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Can the Steelers afford him?
Spotrac reported the Steelers are more than $14.2 million over the salary cap as of January 31. They have some obvious cut candidates, but the cap is still expected to restrict what the Steelers will be able to do this offseason.
Karras will be entering the final year of his 3-year contract with the Bengals. He is set to count as a $7.37 million cap hit for 2024.
As Bleacher Report explained, if the Bengals trade Karras, they will save $6.4 million in cap space. But it’s difficult to estimate in this hypothetical what the center might cost the Steelers after a trade.
The Bengals and Steelers would have to work out the exact financials of the deal.
If Cincinnati wants the trade to happen badly enough, the Steelers fitting Karras under their salary cap is possible.
But the Steelers would likely have to make a very enticing offer for the Bengals to feel compelled to not only trade a veteran player to Pittsburgh, but make him an afford option for the Steelers too.
