In 2024, the Buffalo Bills will need to select or contract a backup quarterback; therefore, why not try to get back again with an old friend? With one year left on his deal, field general Mitch Trubisky, 29, was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move will cost the Steelers $4.613 million in dead salary budget hits this season, according to Spotrac.
The Chicago Bears selected Trubisky with the second overall choice in the 2017 NFL Draft, making him a vested veteran who may sign with any NFL team.He completed five games with the Steelers in 2023, throwing for 632 yards, but third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph finally passed him in the depth chart. Rudolph started last month against Buffalo in the AFC Wildcard Round.
The former North Carolina player was the Bills’ second-string player for the whole 2021 season before joining the Steelers for the previous two seasons. In 2022, Buffalo signed Kyle Allen to a one-year contract; in 2023, the team signed Case Keenum as their backup quarterback.
Trubisky only played in garbage time during the regular season while he was with Buffalo. He completed 6-of-8 passes for 43 yards and one interception in six games. He also gained 24 yards and one touchdown on the ground. In his lone 2021 NFL Preseason start, the former Chicago Bears franchise quarterback fared well, dominating his old squad with 20 of 28 passes for 221 yards, one touchdown, and a 106.4 passer rating.
According to reports, Trubisky was well-liked by his Bills colleagues and departed the team amicably. Given Trubisky’s physical similarity to MVP winner Josh Allen, the Bills probably wouldn’t need to make significant offensive adjustments if Trubisky were ever called up.
But a reunion would mean a salary drop and maybe playing for the veteran minimum for the former first-round choice. The cap-strapped Bills will probably have to sign a rookie or sign a free agent who demands no more than $2 million annually to fill the position of No. 2 quarterback. Last year, Allen—who joined the NFL as an—was paid $1.232 million (Spotrac).
In the end, Josh Allen’s health and availability are crucial for the Bills to be competitive, but in the unlikely scenario that Allen is forced to miss time due to a minor injury, a strong backup might keep the team afloat. Trubisky is a good choice, but can the finances support him?
