About two hours into the NFL's free agency tampering period, the Pittsburgh Steelers struck a deal with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Trubisky reportedly had an offer from the New York Giants too, but ultimately decided the Steelers were the better opportunity to start. And that still may be the case even after the Steelers selected Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft last week.
Photo via JSKO_PHOTO (Twitter)
The question that a lot of people have been asking is whether or not Trubisky knew that the Steelers still planned to draft a quarterback, or if he believed it was going to just be a competition between, he and Mason Rudolph. The question comes up for obvious reasons, but there has been a question about when the Steelers have signed free agents the past couple of years if they've been completely transparent about their envisioned roles on the team.
Last off-season, Pittsburgh signed linebacker Melvin Ingram with the intention of him backing up Alex Highsmith. But after injuries knocked TJ Watt and Highsmith out at the beginning of the season, Ingram became a starter. He was pushed back to a backup after the return of Highsmith and he didn't love that idea. Ingram ended up being traded to Kansas City for a sixth round pick and ended up helping the Chiefs reach the AFC Championship game. But shouldn't Ingram had known he was going to be a backup and what his role was going to be? If he knew, why did he get upset about his role and decide to sit out until the Steelers traded him?
Regardless, it appears the Steelers were transparent with Trubisky, and he did know that drafting a quarterback with their first pick was a possibility according to ESPN senior reporter, Jeremy Fowler:
"But I was told that he even knew that Kenny Pickett was a strong possibility going into this," Fowler said on ESPN. "If he was there at number 20, they might take him. He was prepared for this."
With Trubisky already knowing that the team might take Pickett, it should ease any tension that there could've been between the team and Trubisky. But for his part, Trubisky, doesn't seem like one to cause any issues. He's been nothing short of a professional since he entered the NFL. He also has to understand that he is going to get a fair shot to start, and with Mike Tomlin's track history of liking to ease rookies in during their first season (prior to 2021), Trubisky should be the favorite.
"Well, I'm told they plan to play no favorites. And then Mike Tomlin's words are sincere because if there's any anywhere in the NFL that is truly merit based about competition, it's the Steelers," Fowler continued. "Mike's talent is known for this famous line among players in the building when it comes to competition, 'two dogs, one bone.' He says it all time. Said it for years. Now you got three dogs, one bone. They got to fight for it. Now, Mitchell Trubisky has six plus million dollars on the books this year. He is likely to be the favorite. He'll get his chances, plenty of reps."
Everyone has written off Rudolph, but Fowler still believes he has a chance to win the job. Even if its a small one.
"And Mason Rudolph has more experience in the system than anybody else. He'll be in the mix. I wouldn't discount him completely."
Rudolph will have a chance, but they already know what he brings to the table. That's why they went out and signed Trubisky in the first place. He doesn't have that 'it' factor and never will. The reps are going to be necessary more for Trubisky and Pickett to show the team what they are capable of. And to learn the offense. There just isn't a way for Pickett to grow if he's on a limited snap count because Rudolph is stealing time from him. It will be interesting to see what happens during training camp.
