The Pittsburgh Steelers cleared some cap space on Monday by releasing quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Trubisky, 29, signed a two-year extension with the Steelers last year, but Pittsburgh decided it was time to move on as the quarterback had no guaranteed money left on his deal. Trubisky started two games for Pittsburgh last season and did not impress in either showing. He eventually lost his job to Mason Rudolph, the team’s No. 3 quarterback at one point.
The former No. 2 overall pick from the 2017 NFL Draft and former Buffalo Bills backup is now looking for a new home and a reunion with the Bills makes plenty of sense for both sides. Here are five reasons why Trubisky could land back in Buffalo.
Buffalo has preferred to have a veteran quarterback as the team’s No. 2 option over the years. Matt Barkley, Mitch Trubisky, Case Keenum and Kyle Allen have all served as backup quarterbacks to Allen over the years. If the team wants to continue to go this route, adding a quarterback who is familiar with Allen and the locker room in general makes plenty of sense.
You could make the case that Buffalo should use one of their day three picks on a quarterback to develop as their No. 2, but until the Bills prove otherwise Trubisky makes sense as a veteran option.
The first time that Trubisky signed with the Steelers, it was a deal that gave the quarterback an opportunity to start ahead of then-rookie Kenny Pickett. After failing to impress during his two seasons in Pittsburgh, it would be a surprise to see any team offer Trubisky a chance to start or pay him significant money. With the Bills lacking cap space, the price may be right for a reunion.
After being released by the Steelers, Trubisky will not factor into the compensatory pick formula for any team that signs him. That alone may make him appealing to Brandon Beane.
Buffalo has a lot of roster spots to fill this offseason so they may not be in a spot to try and land some in next year’s draft, but it’s something for Beane and the Bills to consider.
Brandon Beane raved about Trubisky’s time in Buffalo.
“You know, Mitch came in with open arms and eyes, he learned our system with Ken Dorsey, Brian Daboll, and Josh. He was a great caddy, and was ready if his number was called. I have nothing but positive things for him,” Beane told the media following Trubisky’s season in Buffalo.
Beane even told Trubisky that if he didn’t get the type of offer he wanted in free agency that the team would have a spot for him.
McDermott praised Trubisky as well for his work ethic and approach.
“He’s a consummate professional, the way he approaches his day to day and his habits. I can’t say enough good things about Mitch Trubisky,” McDermott said.
Beane and McDermott loved Trubisky and the feeling was clearly mutual. Trubisky talked highly about his stint with the Bills.
“I fell into this organization and I loved it ever since coming to Buffalo,” said Trubisky. “Just working under this coaching staff, being with the caliber type of players we’ve got here.”
