The Steelers faced quarterback uncertainty for the first time in a generation last offseason, after Ben Roethlisberger retired. That ultimately drove the team to draft Kenny Pickett as his successor, but not before adding veteran Mitch Trubisky in free agency. 
The contract he signed to join the Steelers – two years, $14.25MM in base value – suggested that he would handle starting duties for a brief stretch before Pickett took over for good. Trubisky had a very modest salary and cap hit in 2022, but those figures jump to $8MM and $10.625MM, respectively, next season.
Given the increased burden Trubisky would represent on the Steelers’ cap, along with the fact that they handed the reins over to Pickett earlier than expected, many have expected the former to be headed elsewhere this offseason. Indeed, it was reported in December that both Trubisky and third-stringer Mason Rudolph were not likely to remain in Pittsburgh for 2023, and that the Steelers would re-build the bottom of their depth chart at the position. In Trubisky’s case, that may no longer be anticipated.
When asked about the former second overall pick’s Pittsburgh future, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said, via Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, “I expect Mitch will be on the roster next year and be an effective backup if we need him. I think he showed that he can be that. We can win with him” (subscription required).
Trubisky, 28, started five games in 2022, making an additional two appearances in place of Pickett, who suffered a pair of concussions as a rookie. The former Bear and Bill struggled in his brief stint as a No. 1 again, throwing more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (four). Pittsburgh’s passing attack certainly did not erupt in efficiency with Pickett at the helm, but the first-rounder put any potential controversy to rest with his play down the stretch in particular.
The Steelers would save $8MM by releasing Trubisky, making him a somewhat logical cut candidate. Pittsburgh could put those savings to good use, given how tight they are against the 2023 cap ceiling, though a replacement would of course need to be signed. Kaboly names Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett and Andy Dalton as experienced passers who could likely be added on short-term, low-cost contracts. If Rooney’s remarks hold true, however, the Steelers could maintain the status quo with their top two QBs next season.
Follow the Niners’ lead! Trade down to get the last pick in the draft, grab a QB and surprise everybody with how effective he is!
I think that trick might work a *little* worse when you have Matt Canada instead of Kyle Shanahan.
Well… There is that…
The Steelers actually drafted a QB in the 7th rd this past year. Unfortunately, that QB wasn’t Purdy.
How would they even know? They cut him out of camp and he signed with KC. Still a mystery draft pick
Such a bizarre way for Colbert to go out.
Trubisky handled the demotion pretty well and knows the system already, so this gives Steelers the ability to focus more attention on developing Pickett instead of other rookies. While Pickett has shown flashes, I’d hardly count on any QB surviving 17 games, especially one who had concussions already.
Not sure how paying Mitch $10m+ makes them better. He’s not good. Take that savings and get an O lineman. I’m not sold that Picket is the long term answer…but he’s certainly the guy for the next 3 seasons (at least). I think Andy Dalton is the comp you’re hoping for here (I see that as his ceiling). Better start building around him.
O Line indeed!
Protect QBs (whoever they go with) blindside AND create some lanes for Harris
No one can be expected to maintain as many touches as he’s had in his first two season for much longer
All this likely is is Rooney not insulting a player in the media.
Pickett had two concussions this year
Y’all should Trade for Jordan Love!!!
I like Pickett. I liked the selection and think he’ll be a good NFL QB. Maybe I’m one of the few here, but while I’m optimistic, the 7-2 finish against middling teams isn’t making me dream of Super Bowl returns anytime soon
Yes, Pickett progressed. But he’s still learning and when you package it with Canada’s play calling and an O-line that still doesn’t give him enough time, you understand the need for a good draft and some free agency signings
Rudolph is gone. And with so much flux at the QB position in the NFL, maybe Trubisky will opt out too, so he can compete for a starting position elsewhere
There will be plenty of veteran QB’s around. Save yourself some money and cut him loose
This is why I miss Art Rooney and Dan Rooney. I’m not sure Art II knows how to run this team. He seems way too ok overpaying Mitch instead of bringing in a cheaper backup (there’ll be a lot of them available) and is sticking with Tomlin and Canada in spite of several lackluster seasons (a winning record does not equal a winning Super Bowl team) now for Steeler fans.
Every QB that gets demoted from starter to backup knows he’s just going to be kept around until the GM finds a better option. This is a rather pointless endorsement by Rooney.