The Pittsburgh Steelers are rarely seen with Mitch Trubisky as a backup quarterback.
Team announced friday It signed the former Chicago Bears starter to a new three-year contract. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the deal is set to pay Trubisky $19.4 million with up to $33 million in incentives.
Trubisky was previously signed to Pittsburgh for one more season with a hit cap of $10.6 million, but the deal would give the Steelers more room under the cap. he is now Allegedly $8 million guaranteed for next season.
Whether the Steelers really want to keep Trubisky for the next three years or just need some extra cap space, the consensus seems to be that the team values him, even as he looks to sell Kenny Pickett to his new franchise. Tries to pose as quarterback.
In seven games (five starts) last season, the 28-year-old Trubisky posted 1,252 passing yards, a 65.0% completion rate, four passing touchdowns and five interceptions, eventually giving way to Puckett as the starter. Pickett, the Steelers' first-round pick the previous year, had his moments, but the overall numbers weren't much better, with 2,404 passing yards in 13 games, a 63.0% completion rate, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Puckett also retained two concussions during the season, making him a quality backup valuable to the Steelers. Given that Trubisky has incentives in his contract that will pay him something close to a starter, the team is well aware of this fact.