Getty Coach Mike Tomlin's Steelers could target Mitch Trubisky in free agency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be aiming for a specific quarterback to add to their roster.
According to insider Jordan Schultz, the Steelers are one of multiple teams interested in the services of Mitch Trubisky, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2017 draft. Trubisky, a former Chicago Bears starter who spent the past season as a backup to Josh Allen for the Buffalo Bills, is one of several notable quarterbacks who will enter free agency.
As Schultz noted in his February 28 tweet, Trubisky is reportedly the focus of several teams.
“Mitch Trubisky drawing lots of FA buzz,” Schultz tweeted. “Several teams – inc #Commanders, #Steelers and #Saints – are all interested in the former No. 2 pick, sources say. Trubisky is still just 27 – #Bills LOVED having him – and several execs told me Mitch is viewed as a starting QB right now.”
Matt Miller of ESPN also tweeted about the growing interest in Trubisky, who will be 28 when the season starts.
“I’ve talked to more NFL teams this week about Mitchell Trubisky than the 22 QB class,” Miller tweeted on March 1. “I think that says a lot.”
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How Trubisky Figures Into Steelers’ QB Mix
Trubisky had an up-and-down career as the Bears’ quarterback from 2017 until 2020. While Trubisky did have some success in Chicago — he led the Bears to two playoff berths and notched a Pro Bowl selection in 2018 — he was never fully embraced as the long-term option in Chicago.
Across four seasons, Trubisky posted a 29-21 record and threw 64 touchdowns against 38 interceptions. His numbers aren’t bad, but they pale in comparison over the same four-year span to those of draft classmates Patrick Mahomes (114 TDs, 25 interceptions) and Deshaun Watson (104 TDs, 33 interceptions) who were selected 10th and 12th, respectively.
The Steelers have a void at quarterback at the moment. Outgoing general manager Kevin Colbert said the team will enter training camp with four quarterbacks on the roster, according to a February 21 story by Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Currently, only Mason Rudolph, 26, and Dwayne Haskins, 24, are on the roster.
“We know we’re going to add to the position,” Colbert said. “I can’t tell you how, but at this point we will go to camp with four.”
That likely means the Steelers would add a veteran as well as a rookie to compete for the starting job.
Trubisky’s Resume a Mixed Bag
Whether Trubisky is the right player to add to the mix remains to be seen. He has experience as a starter as well as postseason experience. Compared with the other top free agent quarterbacks on the market, Trubisky has actually led a team to the playoffs, unlike top-rated free agent Jameis Winston. And he has compiled a better winning percentage (58%) than the second-rated free agent, Teddy Bridgewater (33-30, .523%).
However, advanced analytics paint a deeper picture of a below-average quarterback. Across four seasons as the Bears starter, Trubisky never posted higher than a 66.4 offensive grade (his rookie season) and never ranked higher than 28th among all quarterbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Steelers could sign Trubisky to a short-term, low-risk contract. We’ll see if the Steelers are serious about taking a chance on Trubisky when free agency begins on March 16.