Steelers release Mitch Trubisky, Chukwuma Okorafor, Pressley Harvin
All together, the transactions save the Steelers $12.8 million against the cap next season, according to Over the Cap. While the moves provide Pittsburgh with some salary cap relief, they also create some significant vacancies on the roster, especially at quarterback.
Trubisky, 30, signed a two-year deal with the Steelers ahead of the 2022 season to be part of the answer in the first year after Ben Roethlisberger retired. In Pittsburgh, he had perhaps his best chance to revive his career and prove he can still be a starting quarterback in the NFL. However, four games into his first season, the offense floundered and the Steelers fast-tracked their plan by turning to then-rookie Kenny Pickett at halftime.
Despite his place on the depth chart, last offseason Trubisky signed an extension through 2025 that lowered his cap hit to be in line with his status as the backup. He had an opportunity once again when Pickett went down with Week 13 ankle surgery. However, after losing three games in a row — including two and a half with Trubisky behind center — Pittsburgh pivoted to third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph.
When Rudolph thrived, the writing was in many ways on the wall.
Trubisky was due $11.25 million over the next two years. The Steelers will save all of that in real money. They will save $2.9 million against the cap this year, with $4.6 million in dead money.
The decision leaves Pittsburgh with just one quarterback, Pickett, on its roster. Coach Mike Tomlin said at his end-of-season news conference he anticipates Pickett will reclaim his position as QB1, but there will be “competition.” It remains to be seen how the Steelers will round out their room.
Tomlin also said Pittsburgh has interest in doing business with Rudolph but noted the quarterback is a free agent and will have options. Some have speculated new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s history with Ryan Tannehill could also lead to a reunion
