It's been a difficult season for Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback, Mitch Trubisky. After signing a two-year deal in the off-season, the veteran won the starting job in training camp over rookie, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph. After starting the first four games of the season, he was benched in favor of the team's 2022 first-round draft pick, Pickett.
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While the team's early struggles weren't all his fault, Trubisky was the scapegoat. Since then, he's tried his best to win some fans back. Pickett suffered his first concussion in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Trubisky was able to come in and lead Pittsburgh to victory in the second half. In Week 14, Pickett suffered yet another concussion.
This time around, Trubisky's day didn't go quite as well. While he moved the offense quite well and completed 73.3% of his passes, his three interceptions were quite costly in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The loss all but knocked the Steelers out of playoff contention. Fast forward a week later, and the veteran signal-caller helped the offense move the ball quite well once again against the Carolina Panthers.
In Week 15, he completed 77.3% of his passes and didn't turn the ball over, while also rushing for a crucial touchdown. It was a much-needed performance for the offense that continues to show signs of life. Pickett seems likely to return in Week 16 from his concussion, which would send Trubisky back to the sidelines. With just three games left in the 2022 season, that could be the last we see from the veteran in the black and gold.
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Of course, he's got another year on his contract, so he certainly could stay in Pittsburgh next year. Signed to a two-year, $14 million deal this past off-season though, he would be locked into a role as the backup. Even if Pickett doesn't wind up as the long-term guy in Pittsburgh, he'll remain the penciled-in starter for a few seasons. The Steelers could find a slightly cheaper veteran option in free agency, while Trubisky could possibly look for a similar situation as he did last year. That is, a team in which he has a chance to start Week 1.
If this weekend was indeed his last snap with Pittsburgh, well, it was an appreciated performance. While the team's playoff efforts are quite slim now, the offense's recent improvements has fans somewhat optimistic when looking ahead to the 2023 season. Trubisky's cap hit for the 2023 season is set just under $11 million. After June 1, the dead cap would be just under $3 million. Regardless, he deserves props for leading the Steelers to victory on Sunday.
What were your thoughts on Trubisky's performance on Sunday? Do you think the Steelers will keep him around next season? If not, who would you target to be Pickett's backup? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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