Once midfielders are past the developmental stage of their careers, they rarely transform into something completely new overnight. While Ryan Tannehill makes regular appearances, Mitchell Trubisky’s stubborn time with Steelman is the latest example of a leopard that doesn’t usually change its score.
The Steelers didn’t expect Trubisky to become a full-back in the future when they offered him a two-year deal in March, but reports made it clear he was the supposed starter even after Pittsburgh drafts Kenny Pickett.
In the same week, the Steelers signed Trubisky, the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson and quietly signed Jacoby Brissett for a year. By most measures, Brissett is a better midfielder than Trubisky this season. Cleveland’s offense is still on in its running game, but the Browns wouldn’t be able to get past the Steelers on Thursday night without Brissett making the throws Trubisky couldn’t.
It’s not hard to see the logic of now-retired Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert in signing Trubisky. If Pittsburgh can make it to the knockout stages with Ben Roethlisberger, a younger, rather mobile quarterback who is in a bad situation with the Bears could heighten the offense.
Trubisky is younger, and he’s much more mobile than Roethlisberger (not too tall). That just doesn’t overcome his limitations as a passer and never has. In an offense he doesn’t support, Trubisky’s arm simply wasn’t enough to put Steel Man among the AFC contenders.
Kenny Pickett will become Pittsburgh quarterback in 2023, if not sooner. Because the Steelers have offered him a two-year contract, Trubisky will still have a $2.625 million cap if he is released after this season.
If the team wants to get away with paying him more than that, a move to Pickett needs to happen mid-season. Trubisky is because $1 million bonus if he plays 60% snaps this season and that number rises to $4 million if he hits 70% snaps.
For a midfielder who may not be in the top 4 on his team, this all seems avoidable.
