The Pittsburgh Steelers released three players on Monday after Super Bowl LVIII, and among them was quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
NFL Network reported that both sides discussed the current situation in Pittsburgh, with the 29-year-old quarterback opting to start over in free agency.
Offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor, who has been with the team for six seasons, was also released along with punter Pressley Harvin. The moves saved Pittsburgh about $13 million in cap space heading into the offseason.
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Mitch Trubisky #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Most of it came from Trubisky, who was due to count more than $7 million against the Steelers' salary cap for the 2024 season. The Steelers spent $4.6 million in cap money while saving $3 million.
Why is Trubisky's release relevant? The Chicago Bears' first-round pick was Kenny Pickett's backup, so on the surface, it doesn't seem like anything that stands out.
However, with Mason Rudolph, the quarterback who started the Steelers' playoff game against the Buffalo Bills last season, set for free agency, Pickett will need a new backup.
Ryan Tannehill has been a name linked to the Steelers, as the veteran is also set for free agency after being benched in favor of rookie Will Levis with the Tennessee Titans this year.
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Jacoby Brissett, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Darnold and many more quarterbacks will be available and could give Pickett competition next season.
Head coach Mike Tomlin once again led his group to the playoffs despite brutal offensive production that ultimately led to the firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada midseason (to the delight of many Steelers fans).
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass during the regular season NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 7, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. (Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Pittsburgh finished 25th in total yards per game (304.3) and 28th in points scored per game (17.9), although they managed to sneak in as the final wild card team in the AFC with a 10-7 record.
The Steelers defense was a formidable group that kept their team alive in games, and while it wasn't pretty, the offense managed to score enough to get the job done. The defense also helped in that regard at times.
Trubisky initially began the 2022 season as the Steelers' starting quarterback, with rookie Pickett waiting behind him. After going 2-3 in his first five starts, Tomlin benched Trubisky in favor of Pickett.
Last season, Trubisky started just two games, both of which came late in the season when Pickett was injured. He went 0-2 in those games before Rudolph took over.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first half against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
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Now, Trubisky will likely be a backup elsewhere in the league, while the Steelers will be smart with their next quarterback pick.
