Major changes are likely for the Steelers as they prepare for the 2024 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the craziest seasons in recent memory in 2023. Head coach Mike Tomlin’s squad made the playoffs with a 10-7 record, although the Steelers struggled with an ineffective offense for the duration of the season.
Throughout the first 12 weeks of the season, their offense consistently underperformed for three quarters before winning the bulk of their games behind starting quarterback Kenny Pickett.
QUARTERBACK PLAY SUFFERED THROUGHOUT THE 2023 SEASON.
The Steelers had a 7-4 record after defeating the Bengals 16-10 in week 12. That game saw the Steelers put on one of their rare consistent offensive performances, with Pickett completing 24 of 33 throws for 278 yards and the victors controlling the clock for 37:17 compared to the Bengals’ 22:43.
However, just as it appeared like the Steelers could be turning a corner, Pickett sustained an injury, forcing quarterback Mitch Trubisky to take over.
Since the Steelers had a pair of home games against the weak Arizona Cardinals and the New England Patriots, it appeared that Pittsburgh would continue to win. However, the Steelers struggled, losing both games to the last-place teams.
It appeared that the season would end in despair, but following a third straight loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers finished the season with victories over the Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, and Baltimore Ravens.
Mason Rudolph had been named starting quarterback in place of the ineffectual Trubisky, and the club responded favorably to his leadership.
When the 2025 season begins, it appears that Pickett will have the inside track on the starting job, but Rudolph will have the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and maybe become the starter if he outperforms Pickett.
Furthermore, the Steelers may use free agency or the NFL Draft to find their next starting quarterback. If Kirk Cousins, the Vikings’ injured quarterback, does not resign, the Steelers are reportedly interested in signing him.
TRUBISKY VERY DEFINITELY WILL DEPART.
The Steelers and Tomlin believed that having a veteran quarterback who has started in the NFL and faced some difficult situations would be an excellent backup for Pickett.
However, Trubisky was simply not the answer for the Steelers, and he may not be able to secure another NFL backup quarterback position at this stage in his career. He simply isn’t a good passer or leader.
Trubisky completed 67 of 107 throws for 632 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions last season. He had a 71.9 percent passing rate.
The 29-year-old Trubisky possesses exceptional athletic ability, but he has never shown the consistency required to win in the NFL. Surely, Tomlin has seen enough to realize that retaining Trubisky on the roster is a bad idea and that he is not worth the $8 million he received last year.
Trubisky has two years left on his contract, and the Steelers will have to take a $4.6 million dead cap penalty to get rid of him.
Wideout Allen Robinson adds little value.
Allen Robinson was once a dependable receiver who could set the tone of any game with his ability to get open and make the grab with his sure hands.
Robinson played a minor role in the Pittsburgh offense this season, catching 34 catches for 280 yards and no touchdowns.
Last season, Robinson made $5 million, and the team had a cap charge of almost $3 million. He is under contract for $10 million in 2024, but parting ways with him before the season begins will cost only $1.9 million.
