As the NFL offseason heats up, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers is the future of their starting quarterback. The team has been on a bit of a quarterback carousel over the past few years, with Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement creating uncertainty at the most important position on the field. Now, with several young quarterbacks looking to claim the starting job, a recent insider report has revealed that the Steelers are “optimistic” about re-signing their starting quarterback—but it might not be who fans are expecting.
Could it be that the Steelers are placing their faith in a quarterback other than the presumed future of the team? Let’s break down what the insider report means, why it’s causing a stir, and what the future holds for Pittsburgh’s QB situation.
### The Expected QB Controversy: Who Will Lead the Steelers?
When Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement after the 2021 season, it left a significant void at quarterback for the Steelers. Over the previous two decades, Roethlisberger had been the franchise’s pillar, a Hall of Fame-caliber QB who delivered two Super Bowl championships and made the Steelers a perennial contender. So, when he walked away from the game, Pittsburgh found itself with a huge decision to make.
In the aftermath of Big Ben’s departure, the Steelers’ front office was faced with the daunting task of finding his successor. The Steelers weren’t in a prime position to draft a top-tier quarterback in 2022, so they turned to free agency. They signed veteran Mitch Trubisky, who had spent several years as a starting quarterback with the Chicago Bears before backing up Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. Trubisky was expected to be a bridge quarterback while the Steelers groomed a young talent behind him.
But the emergence of rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett changed the narrative. Pickett, who was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, was a local favorite, having starred at the University of Pittsburgh just down the road from the Steelers’ stadium. The excitement around Pickett was palpable, and fans quickly latched onto the idea of the Pittsburgh-born QB taking over the reins of the team’s offense.
After a few shaky weeks and Trubisky’s struggles in the starting role, Pickett was thrust into the starting lineup midway through the 2022 season. While the rookie showed promise, he also faced growing pains, as most first-year quarterbacks do. Pickett’s performance was characterized by flashes of brilliance and moments of inconsistency, leaving the team and fans to wonder just how quickly he could develop into a reliable franchise QB.
### The Twist: Steelers Optimistic About Re-Signing Their Starting QB
Fast forward to the 2023 offseason, and the quarterback position remains a hot topic in Pittsburgh. While the Steelers have shown faith in Pickett as the team’s potential future, a recent NFL insider report has revealed something surprising. According to the source, the Steelers are “optimistic” about re-signing their starting quarterback—but the name attached to that quarterback might not be what fans are expecting.
That’s because, according to the insider, the starting quarterback the Steelers are most optimistic about re-signing isn’t Kenny Pickett—it’s Mitch Trubisky.
Yes, you read that right. The Steelers are reportedly optimistic about keeping Trubisky in the fold as the team’s starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, despite Pickett’s development as a promising young QB. Trubisky, who signed a two-year deal with the Steelers in 2022, was initially brought in as a bridge quarterback but might end up playing a more substantial role than previously thought.
### The Case for Mitch Trubisky: Why Pittsburgh Might Re-Sign Him
While the idea of the Steelers sticking with Trubisky as their long-term answer may seem like a shock to many, there are a few key factors that make the possibility more understandable than it may first appear.
#### 1. Trubisky’s Experience
Mitch Trubisky may not be the flashy quarterback that some fans were hoping for when the Steelers began their search for Ben Roethlisberger’s successor, but he brings significant experience to the table. As a former No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Trubisky has played in 50+ games as a starter for the Chicago Bears. While his time in Chicago was marked by inconsistency, he also showed flashes of potential and was able to lead the Bears to a playoff appearance in 2018.
Trubisky spent a year behind Josh Allen in Buffalo, where he learned from one of the best quarterbacks in the game and took on a valuable mentorship role. Trubisky’s time with the Bills likely helped refine his skills and his ability to process the game at a higher level. With that experience, Trubisky could be seen as a steady presence under center for Pittsburgh, a reliable veteran who could step in and keep the offense running smoothly, even if the team isn’t fully ready to hand the keys over to Pickett.
#### 2. The Steelers’ Playoff Aspirations
The Steelers have always been an organization focused on winning. They’re not in the business of rebuilding, and with a talented roster across both sides of the ball, they are looking to compete for a playoff spot each year. While Pickett’s development remains a priority, the Steelers might not want to gamble on a full rebuild at the quarterback position, especially if they believe Trubisky can give them a more immediate chance to contend.
With Trubisky under center, the Steelers could maintain a sense of stability and experience while continuing to develop Pickett behind the scenes. If Trubisky proves he’s capable of leading the team to victories and playoff contention, the Steelers might opt to keep him as their starting quarterback for another season or two, giving Pickett more time to refine his skills and grow into a true NFL starter.
#### 3. A Strong QB Room
The Steelers have made it clear that they are committed to having a deep, competitive quarterback room. If Trubisky were to return as the starter, it wouldn’t necessarily mean that the team is giving up on Pickett’s future. Instead, the Steelers might view Trubisky as a capable backup or short-term starter while they continue to develop Pickett. Having both Trubisky and Pickett on the roster would allow for healthy competition and provide a safety net in case Pickett struggles or gets injured.
### Why Fans Are Upset
While the idea of re-signing Trubisky might make sense from a practical standpoint, it has left many Steelers fans feeling frustrated and confused. For starters, Pickett was the future—the team’s first-round pick and the heir to Roethlisberger’s throne. Many fans had high hopes for him, and while he showed flashes of promise, the thought of keeping Trubisky around as the starter seems like a step backward.
Additionally, Trubisky’s time as the starting quarterback in 2022 was far from impressive. While he had some moments, he also made several mistakes and never seemed to settle into a rhythm with the offense. Fans are wondering if another year of Trubisky under center would delay Pickett’s development and further stall the team’s growth.
### Conclusion: A Complex QB Situation
As the Steelers approach the 2023 offseason, their quarterback situation remains in flux. While the team may be optimistic about re-signing Mitch Trubisky, there’s no question that the future of the franchise rests on the shoulders of Kenny Pickett. The Steelers will need to carefully navigate this quarterback dilemma, balancing the desire for short-term success with their long-term aspirations.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ decision regarding their starting quarterback will have a massive impact on their future. Whether it’s Trubisky or Pickett leading the charge, Pittsburgh’s success will depend on how well they develop their quarterback position in the coming years. As the offseason continues to unfold, one thing is for sure—the Steelers’ quarterback battle is far from over.
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