Signing Mitch Trubisky sends clear message to Steelers quarterbacks

The Steelers just put the other quarterbacks on notice with the signing of Mitch Trubisky

When Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season, we all knew that the Steelers would need to find the next franchise quarterback.  I believe the prevailing thought was that we would draft a QB in the first round or we would trade for a veteran signal-caller.

Instead of trading for a veteran QB, we opted to sign a veteran free agent, Mitch Trubisky.  By signing Trubisky, I think the Steelers have sent a clear message to the rest of the QBs currently on the roster, which is this:  There will be an open competition to see who grabs the mantle of leadership, as it were.

Frankly, I think an open competition would serve a few purposes, the first of which is this:  Whoever wins the ‘race’ to become ‘QB1’ will be the newly minted starting QB for a team that has not had to think about a new starting QB in eighteen seasons.  That’s a lot of pressure on whoever it will be.

The Steelers may be hoping that Trubisky can become the hire apparent to ‘Big Ben’

The signing of Trubisky serves another purpose, which is this:  If we want to draft a QB in the 2022 NFL draft, we are in a position where we do not need to trade up from the 20th spot to do so.  In other words, the Steelers are not forced to mortgage the future to address the present.

We may end up passing a QB in 2022 altogether if we believe that Trubisky has what it takes to not only become ‘QB1’ but to become our next franchise QB.  I realize I am putting the cart way, way before the horse, but the reality and the other purpose the signing of Trubisky serves is this:  If we are not sold on any QB in this year’s draft and if Trubisky plays well, we may be in the driver’s seat for the 2023 draft.

On the flip side, let’s assume Trubisky doesn’t do well and none of our other QBs step up.  The Steelers would then be in the market for a QB in 2023 and would be able to either sign another veteran free agent or would be able to draft a QB, who would be playing on a rookie contract.

Look, I have no idea if signing Trubisky is the answer, but I do have an idea of what his signing could bring to the QB room.  As I stated earlier, competition is a good thing.  I believe there should be competition at most positions, but particularly at the most important position on the offensive side of the ball.

If signing Trubisky inspires our other QBs to compete at a high level to prove their worth, that can only help the team.  I would love nothing more than for Mike Tomlin to rack his brain over whom to name as the starting QB for the Steelers for week one of the 2022 NFL season.

If that comes to pass, it will have meant that the signing of Trubisky was not only a smart move but was one that served multiple purposes and one that provided options.  It goes without saying that it is far better to have options that have no options.