The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a much different situation in the 2023 offseason when it comes to their quarterbacks compared to 2022. Kenny Pickett is the unquestioned starter and is poised to build off a strong finish to the 2022 season in which he led the team to multiple come-from-behind wins against the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens. Mitch Trubisky, who opened 2022 as the starting signal-caller, seems to be adjusting to his role as the backup.
Trubisky's level of play in 2022 was solid, but he was just not making enough plays down the field to win games. At only 28 years old, he would have been well within reason to demand a departure from the Steelers and sign with a team that would have allowed him to compete for a QB1 job in 2023. Fortunately, the former second overall pick opted to remain in Pittsburgh by signing a contract extension through the 2025 season in May.
During a recent interview at the team's facility, Trubisky explained the emotions he felt in 2022 after being demoted from the starting position and provided more detail as to why his main goal in 2023 is to do whatever it takes to help the team compete for an AFC North title.
"When things go how they go during the season last year and you're pushed into a new role, you have some personal feelings you got to set aside. You just embrace the role to help the team for the common good. I want this team to win. I want to help all the guys be successful as they can," Trubisky answered.
Steelers Have Perhaps The Most Well-Rounded QB Room In The NFL
Trubisky's team-first mentality is music to the ears of Steelers' fans, as his experience and ability to teach will undoubtedly help accelerate the maturation process of Pickett as an NFL quarterback. Furthermore, as he demonstrated in the team's Week 15 matchup against the Carolina Panthers in 2022, he is more than capable of leading the team's offense when called upon. His quick decision making and mobility make him an ideal backup. When and if Pickett goes down this season, the Steelers should be confident that their QB2 can get the job done.
Perhaps the only thing more surprising than the Trubisky extension this offseason was the re-signing of fellow quarterback, Mason Rudolph. After the former third-round pick was relegate to third-string in 2022, it was a foregone conclusion that he would be playing elsewhere in 2023. In all likelihood, he was probably hoping to do so, but decided to return to Pittsburgh after receiving very little interest in the free agency market. With him and Trubisky back in the fold, there is perhaps no better overall quarterback room in the NFL than the Steelers.
Trubisky Is All-In With The Steelers In 2023
Expectations for Pickett entering year two are sky high, as many fans will be quick to point out that Ben Roethlisberger won a Super Bowl in his second season under center. While hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in 2023 is the ultimate goal for the Steelers, it will be incredibly difficult to do so in an immensely talented AFC. With this in mind, it is critical that fans keep in mind that Pickett will likely struggle at some point this upcoming season.
He will make the same mistakes every young signal-caller makes. This is why having a player such as Trubisky behind him is so vital, as he has already voiced his willingness to do whatever it takes to help Pickett succeed in his sophomore campaign. It won't be long before we will get a chance to watch both players in action as training camp is less than two weeks away. We are so close, Steeler Nation!
Thoughts, SteelerNation?
Were you happy to see Trubisky sign a long-term deal with the Steelers this offseason? Where would you rank the team's QB room in comparison to the rest of the NFL? Be sure to
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