The Mitch Trubisky experiment in Pittsburgh was a complete and utter failure. One of the final quarterback-related moves made by the previous administration — general manager Kevin Colbert — is now in the past. As the team looks to its future, here are five things that Trubisky’s release does and could signal for the franchise.
1
Kenny Pickett lone QB on roster
Mitch Trubisky is a free agent and Mason Rudolph is likely to be in the same boat next month, leaving 2022 first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett as the lone signal-caller in the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback room.
Arthur Smith indicated in his first interview as offensive coordinator that the Steelers are Pickett’s team. Mike Tomlin said a few weeks prior to Smith’s hire, not-so-fast.
But it won’t be long until two more quarterbacks — one doubtful to be named Mason Rudolph — enter the fold in Pittsburgh. It could be a combination of the free agent pool and the NFL draft. Either way, it’s coming and the talk of the offseason already is who’s-it-gonna-be.
2
Arthur Smith is already putting his stamp on offense
Arthur Smith doesn’t even have permanent digs in Pittsburgh yet, and he’s already putting his stamp on the Steelers’ offense. If Smith even remotely liked Mitch Trubisky as one of the three guys in the Steelers quarterback room, he’d still be with the team — albeit with a restructured contract. He saw immediately what we all did — Trubisky isn’t the answer at QB1, QB2 or QB3.
3
Steelers need 2 more QBs
Steelers president Art Rooney said one thing one day and essentially walked it back the next. So, the Steelers aren’t going to make a “blockbuster” trade for a quarterback. If that’s truly the case, as big of a “fan” as Mike Tomlin reportedly is of Justin Fields, he will not be a Pittsburgh Steeler. That doesn’t rule out free agency and the NFL draft. Two could be coming from either avenue or one from each. No matter what, it’s already the biggest storyline of the Steelers offseason.
4
Ryan Tannehill to the rescue
Essentially since Arthur Smith was hired as the new offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Tannehill‘s name has been linked to the team. Nearing age 36, he’s no spring chicken, but he’s a solid option in the thin free-agent crop and has shown he can win in this league. Tannehill had two exceptional seasons under Smith in Tennessee and has shown a willingness to mentor young quarterbacks. The latter could be priceless if the Steelers envision Pickett as the future in Pittsburgh.
5
Room for Mason Rudolph
There are now two vacancies on the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback roster, and one could belong to Mason Rudolph. The Steelers have shown interest in re-signing him, but it doesn’t appear the feeling is mutual and we’ve likely seen the last of him in the Black and Gold. He’s got to be eager to test the free agent waters coming off what was the best football of his still young career.
