The Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback is not a ceremonial position. During the tenure of Ben Roethlisberger and now Kenny Pickett the backup quarterback has been called on regularly to step in. Mitch Trubisky stepped in three times in relief of Pickett last season when the rookie suffered concussions. The second time against the Baltimore Ravens, Trubisky arguably threw away an AFC playoff berth.
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Kenny Pickett Driven Into Ground By His Facemask
Trubisky is going to cost the Steelers a lot of money to retain his services in 2023 and it doesn’t look like the Steelers can afford to pay what is due despite Art Rooney’s desire that he be treated well. If the veteran signal-caller converted the remaining year of his $10.625-million cap hit into two years, the Steelers might retain him. The 2023 roster demands require he is released if they can’t restructure.
The speculation on a backup quarterback has run rampant on social media and on a myriad of local talk shows. Veteran retreads with limited upside for a position that is historically called upon do not inspire confidence. The same old names that are available seemingly every year ranging from Jacoby Brissett to Andy Dalton are career backups that are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning.
One name that has not been linked to the Pittsburgh backup job is the stunt double for Uncle Rico, Gardner Minshew. The former Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback is the quintessential Mike Leach product. His teammates love him and in his 24 NFL starts, Minshew has proven he can throw the ball. The Washington State product has thrown 44 career touchdown passes versus 15 interceptions and a career passing rating of 92.8 since entering the NFL.
Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Assistant GM Andy Weidl
Minshew is only 27 and unlike Brissett and Dalton, his best days are not behind him. He will come at a better price than the two veterans and if pressed into service for an extended period, the offense will not grind to a halt. Minshew’s only drawback is that he may still see himself as a starting NFL quarterback and there are a small handful of teams where he could find himself as a bridge to the future. Andy Weidl was in Philadelphia when Minshew arrived and could emerge as a key figure to help convince Minshew to stay in Pennsylvania.
The Steelers don’t just need competency, they need upside based on Pickett’s predisposition for concussions. Minshew could lock up a backup job, where he will get an opportunity to attract suitors when he does play. If Minshew comes on in relief of Pickett a couple of times a year and throws the ball all over the lot, produces victories and touchdowns, the Steelers could find themselves on the business end of a solid draft pick from a team that is desperate for quarterback help.
Steelers Backup Quarterback Seats Might Be Empty By The Start Of Free Agency
Pittsburgh fooled itself into thinking Mason Rudolph would attract a mid to late-round draft pick and now he is leaving without compensation. It is being suggested by Steelers insiders that Trubisky could fetch a mid-round draft pick, but he won’t. His contract is too big to trade for and he had his chance to show he could be a bridge quarterback and he failed. Signing a retread veteran won’t bring anything in return, including competent quarterback play.
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Steelers Possible Free Agent Target Gardner Minshew Warms Up
Minshew is fun-loving, the moment isn’t too big for him, and is just talented enough that two or three great performances in relief could fetch the Steelers a future draft pick. Even if he does not get the Steelers a return on their investment beyond a competent veteran backup, he will be half the price of the current names being bandied about. Half price and twice the fun sounds like an offer the Steelers should not refuse.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Would you love to see the Minshew magic show in Pittsburgh? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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