The Steelers seem to have found their franchise quarterback in Kenny Pickett. But one of the questions Pittsburgh must answer this offseason is who will be backing him up in 2023.
Quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph could both be options, but one Steelers insider believes another veteran QB will take their place.
“[Jacoby] Brissett is familiar with the Steelers system because he played at North Carolina State (2013-2015) when Matt Canada was the offensive coordinator there,” the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac writes. “Also, Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulker and receivers coach Frisman Jackson were members of that staff.”
Brissett started 11 games for the Browns in place of suspended QB Deshaun Watson and was viewed by many as a great teammate. He went 4-7 as a starter throwing for 2,608 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
If the Steelers were to keep one of their two backups from this year, it would be Trubisky. Rudolph is set to become a free agent while Trubisky is already signed through the 2023 season, and president Art Rooney II said he expects him to be back.
“You know, it’s still early in the offseason, but I expect Mitch will be on the roster next year and be an effective backup if we need him,” Rooney II said. “You know, I think he showed that we can win with him and so I think he’ll be on the roster next year, yeah.”
However, there is problem with keeping Trubisky. He carries a cap hit of almost $11 million and if Pittsburgh were to cut him, it would save nearly $8 million to spend elsewhere.
Trubisky has already shown a disinterest in staying with the Steelers saying, “I wish I would’ve taken some more time and not just signed the first day of free agency.”
If Trubisky does want out, it’s likely Pittsburgh would grant it. Tomlin has always said that he wants volunteers and not hostages, which could open up the door for Brissett to stick around in the AFC North.
