Bills Re-Signing Steelers QB Mitch Trubisky? Signs Point to Reunion
The Buffalo Bills will need to sign or draft a backup quarterback for 2024, so how about potentially reuniting with an old friend?
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the release of 29-year-old field general Mitch Trubisky with one year remaining on his contract. According to Spotrac, the Steelers will absorb a $4.613 million dead salary cap hit this season as a result of the move.
As a vested veteran, Trubisky, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft by the Chicago Bears, instantly becomes a free agent and is free to sign with another NFL team. In 2023, he threw for 632 yards over the course of five appearances for the Steelers but was eventually overtaken on depth chart by third-stringer Mason Rudolph, who started against Buffalo in the AFC Wildcard Round last month.
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Prior to spending the last two seasons as a Steeler, the former North Carolina product served as the Bills' second-stringer for the entire 2021 campaign. Buffalo employed Case Keenum as its backup quarterback in 2022 before inking to Kyle Allen to a one-year deal in 2023.
During his stint in Buffalo, Trubisky only saw regular season action in garbage time situations. Over six appearances, he went 6-of-8 passing for 43 yards and one interception while also rushing for 24 yards and one touchdown. The former Chicago Bears' franchise quarterback performed well in his lone 2021 NFL Preseason start, torching his former team to the tune of 20-of-28 passing for 221 yards, one touchdown and a 106.4 quarterback rating.
Trubisky was reportedly well-liked amongst his Bills' teammates and left the organization on good terms. The physical similarities between Trubisky and MVP finalist Josh Allen mean the Bills likely wouldn't have to change their offense dramatically if Trubisky was ever forced into duty. A reunion, however, would require the former first-round pick to take a pay cut and potentially play for the veteran minimum.
The cap-strapped Bills will likely have to fill their No. 2 quarterback vacancy with someone on a rookie contract or free agent demanding no more than $2 million per year. Allen, who entered the NFL as an earned a $1.232 million salary last year (Spotrac).
Ultimately, the Bills need Josh Allen to remain healthy and available in order to maintain their status as championship contenders, but a capable backup could keep the operation afloat in the event Allen must miss time due to minor injury. Trubisky is a suitable option, but will the financials work?
