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Signing QB Mitchell Trubisky was safest move for Pittsburgh Steelers

By Jacob Ellerbee

Oct 3, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly signed free agent Mitchell Trubisky to be their next starting quarterback. Here’s why it was the safest move for the team to make

Free agent QB Mitchell Trubisky, one of the most highly-sought players from teams in need of a quarterback, has reportedly reached a two-year agreement to take over as the starting QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers next season, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

The news came in the opening hours of the legal tampering period, in which team front office personnel and the agents of players can meet to discuss possible deals.

Trubisky spent last season as the back-up for Buffalo Bills star QB Josh Allen. He never started a game for the team but spent 3.5 seasons as the starter for the Chicago Bears in his first few seasons in the NFL.

Mitchell Trubisky a worthwhile reclamation project for Pittsburgh Steelers

The former University of North Carolina standout, 27, will get an opportunity to take over the reins as the Steelers starting quarterback in 2022.

He brings with him to Pittsburgh a record of 29-21 as a starter, according to Stat Muse. He’s recorded 64 touchdowns and 38 interceptions during his five seasons in the NFL. He’s got a career completion percentage of 64.1%, which is right around the 64.4% completion percentage of the player he’s expected to replace in Pittsburgh— Ben Roethlisberger.

Make no mistake about it, the Steelers are in win-now mode and very likely did not want to have to go into the 2022 NFL Draft in need of a starting quarterback.

There are likely to be several options when the team is slated to pick No. 20 overall in the draft; however, you have to believe that Head Coach Mike Tomlin did not want to rely on an inexperienced quarterback to get this team back to the playoffs next season.

Per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the Steelers were reportedly never really interested in attaining the services of Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, who is very much available via trade. They missed out on trying to make a blockbuster deal for Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers.

QB Kirk Cousins has re-upped with Minnesota. Free agent QBs Teddy Bridgewater and Marcus Mariota come with injury history and/or accuracy issues.

That left the options down to QB Jimmy Garappolo and maybe free agent QB Jameis Winston. Both are coming off of injuries.

Signing Trubisky was the safest option out there for the Steelers. The team will still have QB Mason Rudolph under contract as insurance— someone who is familiar with Mike Tomlin’s system, the Steelers culture and can step in to play if necessary (see: Rudolph in 2018).

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