The Steelers didn't waste any time once the NFL's legal tampering period opened Monday afternoon, quickly agreeing to terms with quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Trubisky, 27, agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers worth $14 million, though it includes incentives. The incentives could push it to a total of $27 million, but that would include Trubisky doing things such as winning the Super Bowl or making first-team All-Pro.
Trubisky, a Cleveland native, was considered the top target for the Steelers to help ease the loss of Ben Roethlisberger, who retired at the end of the 2021 season.
He'll initially compete with Mason Rudolph to be the Steelers' starter in 2022, but is expected to win that job.
The Giants also were in the mix to sign Trubisky, but he chose the Steelers because they offered a better chance to start.
"This was the best opportunity for me and my family ... the best way to get back on the field and try to win games ... You've gotta go out and earn it," Trubisky told ESPN.
Text from Steelers’ QB-to-be Mitch Trubisky: pic.twitter.com/IjWQGGDfCs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2022
Trubisky, the second-overall pick in the 2017 draft behind Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, brings more experience to the table than Rudolph, a third-round pick in 2018. Trubisky was selected ahead of Patrick Mahomes (10th) by the Chiefs and Deshaun Watson (12th) by the Texans in that draft.
A four-year starter with the Bears, Trubisky posted a 29-21 record as a starter, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2018 when he led Chicago to an 11-3 record in games he started. He has a career completion percentage of 64.1 percent.
He had a winning record in each of his final three seasons, going 25-13, with the Bears and was a Pro Bowl player in 2018.
But many fans in Chicago never forgave the team for trading up to get Trubisky, especially when Mahomes and Watson went on to become stars.
Chicago did not pick up his fifth-year option for the 2021 season, so he signed with the Bills as a backup to Josh Allen.
In 57 career games, Trubisky has thrown for just over 10,000 yards with 64 touchdown passes and 38 interceptions. He's also rushed for just over 1,000 yards.
The move makes sense for the Steelers from the standpoint that they didn't have to give up draft capital this year to acquire a starting quarterback.
And Trubisky is still young enough to have upside potential. If he proves to be the long-term answer at quarterback -- ie. the Steelers make the playoffs in 2022 -- the team still has him under contract for 2023.
If he falls on his face, the Steelers will be in a much better position in 2023 to get into the market to acquire a quarterback in terms of draft capital.
They currently own the 20th pick in this year's draft and would likely have to trade up to acquire a potential future starter in what is considered a weak quarterback draft class. Next year's draft class is considered deeper.
