As of now the Steelers only have two quarterbacks under contract for the 2023 season, Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky. How long is that expected to last?
Mitch Trubisky is entering the season with a hefty $10.625M cap hit to play backup to Kenny. Not ideal to bring him back at that price.
What is ideal is cutting him to save $8M. He could be one of the Steelers off-season cap casualties. Then you’re left with only Kenny under contract at the QB position and no one to play backup.
This brings the idea of restructuring Mitch’s contract to retain him and secure a backup. If done, the Steelers would be pushing more dead cap into 2024 with Mitch, not on the roster.
Perhaps they work out a new contract and Mitch takes a pay cut?
Steelers have until June 1st to cut him and save $8M but they need the cap space now and a decision is going to have to be made in the coming weeks.
Steelers could easily replace Mitch with a cheaper and more comfortable option. They could bring back some familiar faces and/or bring in a veteran to also play a mentorship role.
If the Steelers decide to sign a new backup, they’d have no reason to keep Mitch, and cutting him would be an easier decision. Or are they comfortable with Mitch?
It sure sounds like it but a new contract would have to be done somehow.
Mitch is on record as saying this regarding his quick decision to sign with the Steelers:
“Everything happened kind of quick. I didn’t really have a long time to think of the decision. I wish I would’ve taken some more time and not just signed the first day of free agency. Looking back on it, just try to do some more research. But I felt like they were interested. I felt like it was a good opportunity to possibly get back on the field, but nothing’s guaranteed.” – Mitch Trubisky
Let’s give Mitch a little credit. The future might be unknown for him and he’s still working out and practicing with Kenny and the targets. They’re all working together and building!
It appears he’s taking that mentor role and is comfortable working with and behind Kenny.
I’m not sure if that confirms his status for 2023, but a new deal could be very likely and best for both sides.
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