Immediately after the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett, it was automatically assumed that Pickett was going to be the quarterback of the future. With that said, Mitch Trubisky has begun to cement his role as the starter during OTA's. Pickett was touted as the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft class, but Trubisky was in a tough system in Chicago and had a year to rest his legs and learn behind Josh Allen in Buffalo.
There is a serious possibility that Trubisky has the best year of his career in Pittsburgh with multiple offensive weapons that the Steelers possess. Trubisky's deal is only for two years so Mike Tomlin has a year to assess his potential to be the quarterback of the future. If he does exceed expectations, drafting Pickett in the first round could look like a mistake and the rookie may be looking at years in a backup role.
There are several options if Trubisky has a Pro Bowl-caliber year, but the question is if the Steelers will make the correct one following the 2022 season if the former Bear and Bills quarterback surprises the NFL this year.
1.) Steelers Extend Trubisky, Continue to Develop Pickett
An extension could be on the table after just one season at the helm for Trubisky. That could be the first option for the Steelers, but after extensions for Minkah Fitzpatrick and Diontae Johnson are on the horizon as well as T.J. Watt's money, the team may not have the necessary funds available in order to put forth a huge contract on the books, especially one of a franchise quarterback. It will be hard to make a decision on Trubisky's future after just one season, but a near-perfect year could immediately bring an extension to the conversation. This leads into our next scenario... moving on from him.
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2.) Trade Trubisky, Back Up Belief in Pickett
If Trubisky happens to have a stand out year, his trade value will be much higher than one would have previously thought. The Steelers drafted Pickett with their first round selection due to the belief within the organization that he can and will be the quarterback of the future. Trading Trubisky after a fantastic year would feel a lot less painful if Pickett had a year to adjust to NFL life and was just as effective in 2023.
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The team doesn't necessarily see Pickett as a developmental project according to ESPN's, Brooke Pryor who states in an article that Pickett's familiarity with Matt Canada is an advantage for the rookie. If no overwhelming development is needed according to the coaching staff, there is no reason to believe parting ways with Trubisky after 2022 is off the table.
3.) No Contract Extension, Let Trubisky Play Second Year of Deal
There is always the possibility that the Steelers do absolutely nothing with the quarterback position even if Trubisky has a strong 2022 campaign. Omar Kahn and Tomlin could decide to let him play into his second year and test his ability to be consistent. The challenge and risk here is one of the only ways to retain him for 2024 would be the franchise tag which is a rather expensive number, especially for quarterbacks, in today's in NFL.
There is no telling that Trubisky will have a season that wows the city of Pittsburgh, but it is an important discussion to have in the event that Trubisky exceeds expectations and puts the front office in a position where a decision needs to be made that could affect the future of the franchise.
What do you think the front office should do if Trubisky has a career year in 2022? Let us know in the comments below.
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