Mark Madden: How the Steelers handle the quarterback position will show their true 'urgency'

The Super Bowl hasn’t yet been played. But Pittsburgh Steelers offseason talk is constant and onerous.

It’s aggravating to no end, not least when it involves the quarterback position. (Nonstop mock drafts will soon accelerate the stupidity. There’s no way to know in February who the Steelers will pick 20th on April 25.)

But if you want real talk about quarterback, here goes:

If the Steelers were serious about winning now, they would get Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.

All are available. Any of that trio would provide an upgrade.

Cameron Heyward is in his career’s twilight. The clock is ticking on the prime of T.J. Watt, who has never won a playoff game.

The Steelers haven’t won a postseason contest in seven seasons.

The owner bleats about “urgency.”

But relying on a third-year quarterback who has a popgun arm and no pocket sense hardly screams “urgency.”

Kenny Pickett has rarely exceeded mediocre in his 24 NFL starts. He’ll be 26 at season’s start, having been Pitt football’s version of Van Wilder.

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The Steelers don’t need to “find out” about Pickett. They already have.

The entire NFL has. If the Steelers tried to trade Pickett, what do you think they could get? It wouldn’t be much.

But all the Steelers’ quarterbacking eggs are in Pickett’s basket. When Arthur Smith did his first interview as Steelers’ offensive coordinator, he didn’t mention Mason Rudolph once.

Yes, Cousins is recovering from an Achilles injury. What would you rather bet on, Cousins’ Achilles or Pickett’s arm? If Cousins stumbled in his recovery, the Steelers would still have Pickett.

The salary cap isn’t a problem. If the Steelers acquired a big-time quarterback, they could make the cap work.

If it’s not about right now, don’t babble about “urgency.”

If it’s not about right now, tell that to Heyward and Watt. Be honest.

But the Steelers don’t want to be wrong about having wasted a first-round pick on Pickett.

San Francisco cuts bait constantly on quarterbacks when it’s concluded that better is required: Alex Smith, Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance. The 49ers gave up three first-round picks and a third-round selection to trade up and draft Lance. Didn’t matter.

Where are the Niners now? In the Super Bowl with Brock Purdy.

The Steelers rarely make significant trades or big signings in free agency. The Steelers are dedicated to drafting and developing.

The Steelers are so committed to being who they are, they don’t try to be better.

That’s confirmed by revisiting the offensive coordinator hire.

Smith was hired because he fits the head coach’s vision and the talent that’s already on hand. (At least Smith fits the notion of “right now.” Pickett doesn’t.)

It’s the same old excrement, familiarity somehow not having bred contempt. (At least not in enough circles.)

The net wasn’t cast wide. Young, bright, innovative offensive minds either weren’t interested or weren’t asked.

Smith is a safe hire.

The Steelers are going to go 10-7 or 9-8. At best, they’re going to lose their first playoff game. Rinse and repeat.

The way their offseason is being handled so far, it seems like that’s the goal. Like the Steelers have no objective beyond that. Won’t push for better.

Their stooge media reflexively approves. The heat never gets too hot. That’s how Mike Tomlin will get a contract extension after seven years without a playoff win. Owner Art Rooney II talks about Tomlin like he’s a partner, not an employee.

The Steelers are a poorly run franchise. The shine is off the logo.

Maybe it’s just lack of ambition.

But I seem to recall somebody saying, “Scared money don’t make money.”