It hasn’t been a great season for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky. After signing a two-year, $14 million deal in the off-season, he was able to win the starting job over Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph in training camp. Despite Trubisky winning the job, it was obvious that the first-round rookie, Pickett, would take over at some point in the season. While he’s remained professional, Trubisky hasn’t been shy about his disappointment in the benching.
Photo credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
At this point, his tenure in Pittsburgh may be over after just one year, even with Rudolph also entering free agency. Trubisky has made five starts this season, while appearing in two more games. He’s led the Steelers to a 2-3 record in those five starts, which have come with mixed results. Recently, Trubisky caught up with Steelers beat reporter, Brooke Pryor of ESPN to talk about his time in free agency.
“Everything happened kind of quick [in free agency]. I didn't really have a long time to think of the decision. I wish I would've taken some more time and not just signed the first day of free agency,” Trubisky said via Pryor’s article. “Looking back on it, just try to do some more research. But I felt like they were interested. I felt like it was a good opportunity to possibly get back on the field, but nothing's guaranteed.”
Based off these comments, it’s hard to imagine Trubisky returning for a second season in Pittsburgh. Pickett is locked in as the team’s quarterback in his second season, as he’ll look to prove that he is indeed the long-term option in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. The team can save cap space by moving on from the veteran, and Trubisky can once again look for another opportunity in free agency.
More specifically, he’ll look for another team that will give him a chance to start. While fans adore Pickett, it’s hard not to feel bad for Trubisky. From the moment Pittsburgh selected Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, it was obvious as to the role Trubisky had on this team. That is, a bridge quarterback for a few games until the rookie is ready to go.
Photo credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Again, this isn’t news regarding Trubisky’s disappointment. As Pryor included in her detailed piece, the veteran felt as if he was given a short leash with the black and gold. As much as head coach, Mike Tomlin may deny it, Trubisky is right in that aspect. It’s all a part of business in the NFL, but it’s ended up being the correct decision. Pickett has led the Steelers back into playoff contention, as they are 6-5 in his 11 starts.
Will this be Trubisky’s only season in Pittsburgh? Do you think he regrets signing with the Steelers? If the team does move on from him, who should they target as Pickett’s backup for 2023? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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