Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Trubisky Could Be Cap Casualty

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be forced to make some tough decisions this offseason, and that could include parting ways with a veteran quarterback. According to the Athletic's Mark Kaboly, the team could release Mitchell Trubisky in order to clear cap space.

Steelers salary cap: Possible cuts (Mitch Trubisky?) and other ways to save space

via @TheAthletic https://t.co/Ky82Nn794g
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) February 6, 2023

Per overthecap.com, the Pittsburgh Steelers are approximately $1 million under the 2023 salary cap of $224.8 million and Trubisky is set to count $10.625 million. Trubisky didn't demonstrate himself to be a meaningful upgrade over rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett in 2022, so it certainly makes some sense to roll with the younger, cheaper option.

Trubisky accounted for 1252 passing yards at a respectable 6.20 net yards per attempt last season, but the Steelers were generally a disaster on offense, finishing 26th in scoring. Pickett didn't exactly show much promise in his first year (184.9 passing yards per game, 5.34 net yards per passing attempt), but his play wasn't disqualifying, and Trubisky was hardly a world-beater. The Steelers can better serve their future by using next season to see what they have in Pickett.

As for Trubisky, he'll likely have to settle for a role as a clear backup on his next team, perhaps behind a similarly mobile quarterback. A reunion with the Buffalo Bills, who Trubisky played with during the 2021 season, would make some sense.