The Pittsburgh Steelers released three players on Monday after Super Bowl LVIII, and among them was the quarterback. Mitch Trubisky.
NFL Network reported that the two sides spoke about the current situation. In Pittsburghand the 29-year-old quarterback opted to make a fresh start in free agency.
Offensive lineman Chukuma Okorafor, who has been with the team for six seasons, was also released along with punter Presley Aaron. The move saved Pittsburgh close to $13 million in salary cap space in the offseason.
Mitch Trubisky #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Accrasure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by (Cooper Neal/Getty Images)
Most of that came from Trubisky, who accounted for more than $7 million against the Steelers’ cap for the 2024 campaign. The Steelers ate $4.6 million in dead cap money while saving $3 million.
Why is Trubisky’s release relevant? The first-round pick by the Chicago Bears was Kenny Pickett’s backup, so on the surface, it doesn’t seem like anything that would raise an eyebrow.
However, with Mason Rudolph, the quarterback who started the Steelers’ playoff game against the Buffalo Bills this past season, set for free agency, Pickett will need a new backup.
Ryan Tennehill has been a name linked to the Steelers, as the veteran is also set for free agency this year after being benched in favor of rookie Will Lewis with the Tennessee Titans.
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Jacoby Brissett, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Darnold and many other quarterbacks will be available to give Pickett competition next season.
Head coach Mike Tomlin once again led his group to the playoffs despite atrocious offensive production that eventually led to the firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada midway through the season (much to the delight of many Steelers fans).
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass during the regular season NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 07, 2023 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Mark Alberti/ICON Sportswire via Getty Images)
Pittsburgh finished 25th in total yards per game (304.3) and 28th in points scored per game (17.9), though they finished as the final wild-card team in the AFC with a 10-7 record. Be successful.
The Steelers defense was a strong group that kept their team alive in games, and while it wasn’t pretty, the offense was able to score enough to make it work. The defense also helped in this regard on occasion.
Trubisky initially began the 2022 season as the Steelers’ starting quarterback, with rookie Pickett waiting behind him. After going 2-3 in his first five starts, Tomlin benched Trubisky in favor of Pickett.
This past season, Trubisky started just two games, both coming late in the season when Pickett was injured. He went 0-2 in those games before Rudolph took over.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first half against the New England Patriots at Accrasure Stadium on December 07, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Now, Trubisky will likely look elsewhere in the league as a backup, while the Steelers will be smart with their next choice at quarterback.