The future of the Pittsburgh Steelers is here at last, and fans got to see the future franchise quarterback, Kenny Pickett make his long awaited NFL debut last week in the second half of the Steelers' matchup with the New York Jets. Head coach, Mike Tomlin decided to bench Mitch Trubisky just three and a half games into the season, but with the extremely slow start offensively, it almost seemed inevitable that a change needed to be made.
Steelers quarterbacks, Mitch Trubisky (front) and Kenny Pickett (back) during their pregame warmups against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 2, 2022. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The change at quarterback lit a spark for the offense as they scored 14 points in the second half and finished the game with their highest time of possession all season. The Steelers announced this week that Pickett will make his first NFL start on the road this weekend against the Buffalo Bills. It would appear that the starting job is Pickett's for the remainder of the 2022 season which creates the question, "what should the Steelers do with Mitch Trubisky?"
The Steelers are in a unique situation when it comes to their quarterback room compared to other teams around the league. Most teams after benching their veteran starter, would simply keep him second on the depth chart. But the Steelers still have Mason Rudolph on their roster and currently in the third spot on the depth chart.
Having a backup like Rudolph can help the Steelers in many ways. He has been around this offense since he was drafted in 2018 and has also seen more success in Pittsburgh than Trubisky has. Although what Trubisky has put on film so far this season is nothing that will blow you away, he does still have a talented skill set and could be more valuable for a team other than the Steelers.
Trubisky is set to make a salary of $14.28 million with the Steelers over the next two seasons, which is relatively average when it comes to salaries of other backup quarterbacks. He has proven he can win and started NFL games in the playoffs. There are plenty of teams around the league that are searching for options at backup quarterback and the fact that the Steelers have three talented quarterbacks on their roster, means one needs to go. Trubisky would definitely give the Steelers the biggest return between him and Rudolph, and also would be the more attractive option to other teams around the league.
I believe the Steelers could get a 5th or 6th-round pick in return and also help create even more cap space for the off-season after this year. Rudolph would provide more value as well, with his experience and knowledge he has gained from former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and playing under Tomlin for four seasons, he can help Pickett more than Trubisky could.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks, Kenny Pickett (#8), Mitch Trubisky (#10), and Mason Rudolph (#2) participate in 2022 training camp at the team's South Side facility. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Which Team Should The Steelers Reach Out To First About Trubisky?
Many teams in the NFL currently need a backup quarterback, but none more right now than the New England Patriots. The Patriots starting quarterback, Mac Jones has been limited this week in practice with an ankle injury he suffered in their Week 3 matchup. Brian Hoyer stepped in and made his first start of the season for the Patriots last week, but has since been put on IR due to a severe concussion in the Patriots Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
It is safe to say that the Patriots are hurting for options at quarterback, and I believe the Steelers should make a phone call to Robert Kraft and the Patriots to see if they would be interested in Trubisky. I believe there is no reason for the Steelers to keep him around for another season, while they have another option at backup quarterback in Rudolph.
What do you think the Steelers should do with Trubisky? Do you think they should keep him at number two on the depth chart or trade him elsewhere? Tell us what you think in the comment section below, or on my Twitter @collinlschmitt.
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