The Pittsburgh Steelers begin the post-Ben Roethlisberger era with another Ohio native.
The Steelers have agreed to a two-year, $14.25 million deal with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. The deal is worth up to $27M with incentives, Pelissero added.
The former No. 2 overall pick is expected to be the starter over Mason Rudolph and former first-round pick Dwayne Haskins.
Trubisky spent his first four seasons in Chicago, making a Pro Bowl in his second season, but struggled down the stretch and fell out of favor with Bears fans. He spent 2021 in Buffalo rehabbing his image but hardly saw the field as Josh Allen's backup (eight pass attempts).
In his last season as a starter, Trubisky completed 67% of his passes for 205.5 pass yards, 16 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, and 93.5 passer rating -- nine starts in 2020.
After flashing potential early in his career, Trubisky struggled mightily with his accuracy downfield and never developed as a pocket passer. From footwork to reading defenses, Trubisky needed an overhaul in his fundamentals after his time in Chicago.
What he does do well is connect on short, safer throws. Trubisky's 114.4 passer rating on passes of fewer than 10 air yards in 2020 led the NFL among QB with at least 150 such attempts, which could fit well in Matt Canada's scheme.
The Steelers believe dormant talent remains in the former first-round pick, who does bring mobility coach Mike Tomlin desired in the position. That mobility and bootleg ability should help open up the offense in 2022.
With Rudolph proving he's nothing more than a backup at this point, the Steelers begin their offseason by adding a quarterback with more upside. Of course, signing Trubisky to a two-year contract does nothing to stop the Steelers from drafting a rookie high, perhaps someone like Malik Willis who might need time to develop.
