The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some significant roster moves as they prepare for the upcoming season. On Monday, the team announced the release of quarterback Mitch Trubisky, offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, and punter Pressley Harvin III.
Trubisky, a former No. 2 overall draft pick, joined the Steelers in March of 2022 with hopes of replacing the retired Ben Roethlisberger. However, his time in Pittsburgh was marred by inconsistency and poor performance. After starting four games, Trubisky was benched in favor of then-rookie Kenny Pickett. Trubisky was later given another opportunity while filling in for an injured Pickett but failed to impress. He struggled in losses against New England and Indianapolis before being replaced by Mason Rudolph, the third-string quarterback.
The decision to release Trubisky will create approximately $11.5 million in salary cap space over the next two seasons for the Steelers. This move is likely intended to free up financial flexibility for the team as they navigate the upcoming free agency period.
With Trubisky now gone, Pickett is the only quarterback currently under contract for the Steelers next season. Rudolph, who is set to become a free agent in March, is still being considered by the team as a potential option to compete with Pickett during training camp. Rudolph's performance as a starter helped the Steelers reach the playoffs, winning three games.
During his tenure in Pittsburgh, Trubisky had a record of 2-5 as a starter, throwing for eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. While his athleticism provided an added dimension in the pocket, his decision-making and mechanics remained problematic, as they had been earlier in his career with the Chicago Bears.
In addition to Trubisky, the Steelers also parted ways with offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. Okorafor had started 59 games for the team after being drafted in the third round in 2018. However, he was benched midway through the season in favor of rookie Broderick Jones. The Steelers' decision to draft Jones in the first round of the 2023 draft, coupled with the presence of left tackle Dan Moore Jr. on a rookie contract, signaled the end of Okorafor's time in Pittsburgh.
Okorafor had signed a three-year, $29.25 million contract in 2022 but expressed disappointment after the team's first-round playoff loss to Buffalo. He stated that he wouldn't have re-signed if he had known that his time with the team would be cut short.
The departure of punter Pressley Harvin III was also confirmed by the Steelers. Harvin, a seventh-round pick in 2021, struggled with inconsistency during his three years with the team. While he averaged 43.7 yards per punt in 47 games, the Steelers decided to seek a new punter for the upcoming season instead of retaining Harvin for the final year of his contract.
As the team makes these roster moves, the Steelers will be actively exploring their options to fill these positions during the upcoming offseason. With salary cap space now available, they may pursue key additions through free agency or look to the upcoming NFL Draft to address their needs.
It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the Steelers' roster and their overall performance in the coming season. The team will undoubtedly be working hard to assemble a competitive and talented lineup as they strive for success in the highly competitive NFL.
