Just a year ago, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky was set to compete for a starting job. The team had just drafted Kenny Pickett, which had to have taken Trubisky by surprise a little bit. Still, the veteran went on to win the job, starting the first four games of the season. The inevitable was the first-round rookie taking over, which did happen at halftime of the Week 4 contest against the New York Jets.
Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (Twitter: JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett impressed in his first NFL game against the New York Jets.
It was clear that Trubisky was frustrated with the situation, but he remained professional throughout the season. While he had signed a two-year deal, many wondered if he wanted to get out of Pittsburgh. With guys like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold earning second and third chances around the league, surely Trubisky could find a chance somewhere. His status in Pittsburgh was obvious at that point and that was to be a backup to Pickett for as long as he was there.
Many even speculated that Trubisky could become a cap casualty, saving the Steelers a decent amount of money. Well, that didn't end up being the case at all. Instead, the team actually gave the backup quarterback a contract extension, as announced by General Manager, Omar Khan last week. With Tuesday marking the start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Trubisky answered why he wanted to stay here for a few more years via 93.7 The Fan.
"I just want to come back because me and Kenny have gotten so close. I want to help him in any way I can. Anything I can be for Kenny: a sounding board, an extra coach, extra eyes on the field. I will be there for him and he knows that. You have some personal feelings you have to put aside and you embrace your role to help the team for the common good. That’s what I try to do. People see how I come to work, how I am as a person and teammate. I want this team to win."
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers extended veteran Mitch Trubisky, which should only help the growth of starting QB Kenny Pickett.
That shows a mature, veteran leader. It would be easy for Trubisky to feel slighted by Pickett, who took over his job in 2022. In fact, we recently saw a somewhat similar comparison. Former QB Ben Roethlisberger admitted that he didn't initially want Pickett to succeed in Pittsburgh. It's natural to feel that way, but that doesn't seem to be the case with Trubisky as he's rooting for his counterpart.
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While he is a backup, Trubisky is still one play away from leading the offense again. He remains one of the best backups in the NFL, particularly because of his unique mobility. His style is similar to that of Pickett, meaning Pittsburgh can run some of the same stuff if their franchise quarterback were to go down with an injury. The Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022 is the perfect example of that.
Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) looks on at 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield Steeler Nation / (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Pickett went down with a concussion and Trubisky entered. He was able to lead the team to a huge 20-18 victory in that contest, going 9/12 (75%) with 144 yards and a touchdown. Trubisky appeared in a few more games throughout the 2022 campaign, but the job is now Pickett's. In 2023 and beyond, the veteran has a different role and it seems like he knows that. It should go a long way in the development of Pickett.
What were your thoughts when Khan announced Trubisky's extension? Will Trubisky's leadership and experience help Pickett in the long run? What are your thoughts on the veteran's honest decision to stay in Pittsburgh? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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