Grading Steelers intriguing free agent signings early in the process

Mitch Trubisky, QB, 2 years, $14 million (could turn into $27 million with incentives)

Mitch Trubisky was heavily rumored to the Steelers before the legal tampering period even began. It made a lot of sense as the team was looking for a replacement at quarterback and this free agent was looking for the best opportunity to start on Sundays. Enter this player that is from the Cleveland area, so he is staying close to home.

He will have the chance to compete with Mason Rudolph for the starting spot in the 2022 campaign. It seems likely that Trubisky will be the starter unless he has a terrible preseason. Don’t be concerned about the incentives as many believe it to be focused on if he becomes a Pro Bowler or leads this team to the Super Bowl. Fans should hope that he gets those incentives if this is the case.

This was the first major free agency news to drop for the black and gold. This is a solid deal for Pittsburgh as they get a capable starter that will be a bridge guy until they find their new franchise quarterback. Perhaps this new signing will unlock some potential here and have a Ryan Tannehill type of emergence. That is wishful thinking, but this is a good deal for where the team is now.

Grade: B

This is the best deal that the Steelers have done to this point in the early going of free agency. They get someone with experience at the starting quarterback spot and an upgrade over Rudolph. This won’t take them out of the quarterback conversation during the draft though. They will be in conversations for that and potentially into the future if they can’t secure a young prospect in 2022.

The Steelers have been active in free agency and some of their moves have been better than others. This team has not improved mightily but they have time to continue adding to this roster.