PITTSBURGH — Mitchell Trubisky didn't waste any time agreeing to sign with the Steelers once the period for negotiating with free agents began on Monday. And for good reason.
The newest Steelers quarterback, who signed a two-year, $14.2 million deal, didn't want to go to any other team.
"This is where I wanted to be," Trubisky said on Thursday, shortly after officially signing his contract with the Steelers. "They really didn't have to make a pitch to me. When we found out Pittsburgh had interest, I talked to my agent and I was like, 'This is where I want to be.' "
Trubisky is being brought in to compete with Mason Rudolph to be the replacement for Ben Roethlisberger. He said he did a lot of research on the organization and the type of offense the Steelers want to run with Matt Canada to get ready for the deal.
"I got great reviews on the coaching staff and players here," Trubisky said. "They felt my skill set and what we're trying to do here was a great fit. After doing all that research, I feel like I landed in a great situation."
Trubisky can earn up to $26.2 million if he reaches all the incentives in his contract. The only part of his deal that is guaranteed is a $5 million signing bonus, making the deal very cap friendly for the Steelers.
"I wanted to play for coach (Mike) Tomlin, be a part of the rich Steelers history and contribute to that," Trubisky said. "My goal throughout free agency was to find a way to get back on the field and go into a situation where I could compete for a starting job and use my talents on the field. When the opportunity arose to play for coach Tomlin and wear a Steelers uniform, I was so excited. And now I'm here and ready to get to it."
Trubisky, 27, spent last season with the Buffalo Bills as the backup to John Allen after compiling a 29-21 record and making two playoff appearances in four seasons with the Chicago Bears. In 50 career starts with the Bears, he completed 64% of his passes with 64 touchdowns and 37 interceptions.
Trubisky appeared in just six games last season with the Bills, attempting eight passes, completing six for 43 yards with one interception.
"It was a blessing in disguise," Trubisky said about his one-year stay in Buffalo. "I needed it even more than I knew at the time. I learned a lot. The first thing you learn when you get to Buffalo is what a great culture feels like, and I kind of feel that already here in my short time in Pittsburgh. Culture wins, and I could tell when I was in Buffalo and I can tell it's going to be a great fit here in Pittsburgh."
Trubisky's value to the Steelers is also his ability to run as one of the fastest quarterbacks in the league — a mobility that Tomlin and owner Art Rooney II each publicly said they desired. With the Bears, he ran for 1,057 yards and eight touchdowns in four seasons. He ran 13 times for 24 yards and one touchdown with the Bills.
Trubisky described himself as a quarterback who can scramble to buy time outside the pocket but also gain yards downfield.
"You're trying to score on defenses and give them as much trouble as you possibly can, whether that's buying time in pocket to throw downfield or picking up first downs and scoring touchdowns with your legs," he said. "I'm looking forward to utilizing my dual-threat abilities within this offense any way I can."
A former No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, Trubisky is getting a second chance to resurrect his career. The Steelers are hoping he can do for them what Ryan Tannehill did for the Tennessee Titans after he left the Miami Dolphins. And he is eager for the opportunity.
"Steelers Nation, I hope you know how excited I am to be here," Trubisky said.
