Steelers: Reacting to the latest news surrounding the QB position
When GM Omar Khan announced that backup QB Mitch Trubisky was signing a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, some were surprised. Sure it makes sense for Pittsburgh, but why would Trubisky re-up, knowing he's going to be the backup? Today we're going to answer that question and break down the extension, let's dive in. […]
When GM Omar Khan announced that backup QB Mitch Trubisky was signing a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, some were surprised.
Sure it makes sense for Pittsburgh, but why would Trubisky re-up, knowing he's going to be the backup?
Today we're going to answer that question and break down the extension, let's dive in.
From Pittsburgh's point of view, extending Trubisky makes all the sense in the world. He is young (28), a former second-overall pick, and the type of player that teammates love. Not to mention, by extending Trubisky, his $10.6 million dollar cap hit for 2023 is now void, as they can spread his money out with the extension. Here's what Brooke Pryor of ESPN had to say about the deal:
Trubisky was set to count $10.6 million against the cap for the 2023 season, and an extension offers cap flexibility, while also giving Trubisky security as a top-tier backup. He will make $8 million guaranteed in the first year of the extension, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
So we understand the Steelers' perspective, but what about Trubisky? As I stated, he's just now entering his prime at quarterback, has shown flashes of being a serviceable starter, and would surely be granted an opportunity to at least compete next year for another franchise.
Instead, he has welcomed a role as the number two behind Kenny Pickett, relegating himself to a for sure backup role, something he did with the Bills after he ended his tenure in Chicago, but that was more of a sabbatical, as he waited for another starting opportunity. So why would Trubisky make this choice?
For one, Trubisky is now going to make a guaranteed $8 million dollars, whereas his old contract would have only guaranteed another $2.625 million in 2023 through a pro-rated bonus.
But the real reason he's staying is obvious. Trubisky has fallen for the Steelers' culture and they have fallen for him. Look no further than GM Omar Khan's statement about Trubisky dating all the way back to the NFL Combine:
"Mitch has been great," Khan said. "It's been great to have him around, and I would look forward to having him around here for a long time. Not only this year but for a long time."
It should be noted that before things went south on offense, Trubisky opened the season not only as a starter but as a team captain. The waters quickly became muddy, and the offense stalled, but some of that can be chalked up to overall offensive deficiencies, opposed to the player calling the signals.
Either way, Trubisky knows it's Pickett's team now and he has accepted his role, obvious by the extension.
In my opinion, it's mutually beneficial for all parties, and hey, you know what they say the best job in sports is:
Holding the clipboard on the sideline and getting paid handsomely to do so.
Mitch just locked up the dream gig.
