Omar Khan hasn't been bashful about wanting to keep Mitch Trubisky in Pittsburgh beyond 2023, and the recent contract extension accomplished that goal.
The Steelers' OTAs began on Tuesday morning at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, giving Trubisky the chance to explain why he chose to stick with Pittsburgh two years beyond his initial contract.
"It's the family atmosphere, it's the teammates, it's the people," Trubisky told reporters after Tuesday's workout. "It's just a great fit for me and my family. We just love everything about it. I love Coach T (Mike Tomlin), Omar, Mr. Rooney and his family. It's just a special place to be a part of. We just got really close as a team last year. I just feel like I want to be here for the next three years. So, when they asked me to, it was an easy decision."
The Steelers also re-signed Mason Rudolph to a one-year, veteran minimum contract just last week, reuniting the same three quarterbacks the team employed last year. Although, things are different now than they were one calendar year ago.
Trubisky initially signed with the Steelers last offseason to become the starting quarterback. Even after Kenny Pickett was drafted, Trubisky remained atop the depth chart from the start of last year's OTAs all the way through halftime in Week 4's loss to the Jets. Despite the role changes, Trubisky and Pickett developed a relationship that could benefit all parties involved, including the Steelers' product on and off the field.
"That's huge as well. I wanted to come back because me and Kenny have gotten so close," Trubisky said. "I just want to help him in any way that I can. We've got a really great quarterback room. We love having Mason back, too. We're going to have a lot of fun, and we're going to get to work. Anything I can be -- a soundboard, extra coach, extra eyes on the field -- I'm going to be there for him. And, he knows that. That's also why they wanted to have me back to be in that role and help in any way that I can. I'm excited about it."
While it's not a complete 180 from his attitude last season, Trubisky definitely seems to be fully embracing his role as Pickett's backup. Trubisky's demeanor was understandably different while the Steelers were trying to navigate their way from a 2-6 start to fighting for a playoff spot by the final week of the season. While he was always supportive of Pickett, it was evident that Trubisky wanted the opportunity to start.
After all, that's why he initially signed.
With Pickett suffering two concussions, Trubisky still had the chance to play a few different times after being demoted. But, as the season went along, Trubisky continued to remain professional and accepted his new role with class, earning praise from his teammates, coaches and executives alike. That's one of the reasons why Khan was so forthright about his desire to keep Trubisky is Pittsburgh.
"When things go how they go during the season last year and you're pushed into a new role, you have some personal feelings that you've gotta put aside," Trubisky said. "Just embrace your role to help the team for the common good. That's what I try to do. I think people see how I come to work, how I am as a person and as a teammate, and they appreciate that. And, they know it's just genuine coming from me -- that I want this team to win, I want to help all the guys be as successful as they can, and I'm excited to be a part of this team."
One thing that made the change much easier was the bond that Trubisky and Pickett formed over the course of the season. They became friends off the field, as well, and that even extended to Trubisky's wife, Hillary, and Pickett's fiancée, Amy, developing a friendship. With an off-the-field friendship blossoming, it made everything that happened on the field much easier to navigate. And, it made it easier to root for one another.
"It's just a great dynamic on this team," Trubisky said. "When you just have that chemistry, the honest conversations are easier to have, and we just go in there and be ourselves. We all want the same thing: The Pittsburgh Steelers to win, and for ourselves to be the best we can possibly be. We just come in here and compete and help each other work toward a common goal."
Of course, as happy as Trubisky is to remain a Steeler for the next three seasons, no one might be happier about the continuity at quarterback than Pickett. Trubisky and Rudolph played a significant role in Pickett's development last season, and that most certainly helps going into Year 2 as the undisputed starter.
"Yeah, it's awesome," Pickett said. "I spend every day with those guys. It's crazy how much time we spend together. We got really close over just one year. To have both of those guys back, it's awesome. It's special. It's a special group. Those guys have become really good friends of mine."
