NFL rumors: Steelers may have shocking trade chip to deal

The Pittsburgh Steelers could decide to move on from one of their recent free-agent signings and seek out a trade.

The Pittsburgh Steelers ended their season on a high note, defeating the Cleveland Browns 28-14 in Week 18 to clinch a 9-8 record. Down the stretch, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett showed flashes of being their answer at the position for quite some time. Considering he is still on his rookie contract, now is the time for the front office to build a team around him to make a push for a Super Bowl title. With that, could they opt to move on a recent free-agent signing?

ESPN’s Brooke Pryor wrote in a recent article about questions for the Steelers heading into the NFL Scouting Combine, and discussed their quarterback situation. While Pryor said the quarterback room looks set, the Steelers could opt to trade Mitch Trubisky in exchange for some draft capital.

“…the organization could explore trade options for Mitch Trubisky and evaluate Day 2 or 3 quarterbacks at the combine,” writes Pryor. “Trubisky is a valuable asset to the Steelers’ quarterback room, both as a veteran leader and a solid insurance policy in case of injury to Pickett. When Pickett missed time with concussions, Trubisky filled in well, despite throwing three interceptions in a December loss to the Ravens. But in the final year of his deal, Trubisky is set to cost the Steelers $8 million against the cap. That’s an expensive tab for a backup, and the Steelers could find a cheaper option while flipping Trubisky for a mid-round draft pick.”

Mitch Trubisky a trade candidate for Steelers?

The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly also brought up Pittsburgh potentially moving on from Trubisky, but as a release candidate.

Trubisky will count for $10.63 million against the cap for the 2023 league year. If the Steelers trade or release Trubisky, they can save $8 million in cap space, per Spotrac. Hence the talk of moving on from Trubisky.

Trubisky was one of the top quarterbacks available in free agency last offseason, in what was a week class. The Steelers, who watched as Ben Roethlisberger retired, decided to jump at Trubisky, who had spent one year backing up Josh Allen in 2021 after a four-year stint with the Chicago Bears. Trubisky signed a two-year, $14.29 million contract with Pittsburgh.

In seven games (five starts) this past season, Trubisky threw for 1,252 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 65.0-percent of his passes.

Pittsburgh has Pickett locked in for the next couple of years. But, they stand to move on from Mason Rudolph, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. If the Steelers want to move on from Trubisky, they will have to find another option to backup Pickett, whether that’s through free agency or the NFL Draft.