In at the moment’s NFL, the backup quarterback will be the second-most vital place, behind the beginning quarterback, after all. That might be the principle motive why Steelers president Art Rooney II just lately stated that he expects the crew to honor the ultimate yr of Mitch Trubisky’s two-year contract.
Trubisky, who began the 2022 season because the starter earlier than dropping the job to Kenny Pickett, went 2-3 in 5 begins. He was particularly environment friendly in serving to the Steelers defeat the Panthers in Week 14 whereas taking part in instead of Pickett, who was injured.
On paper, bringing Trubisky again is smart. He’s able to efficiently main the Steelers’ offense if he’s referred to as into motion. He’s additionally beneath contract after signing with Pittsburgh on the primary official day of free company final March.
Trubisky comes with an costly price ticket for a backup, nonetheless. He carries a $10.25 million cap hit that he seemingly will not be prepared to renegotiate. Trubisky has additionally made it clear that he desires an opportunity to compete for a beginning job, so it is secure to say that he will not be thrilled with taking part in second fiddle to Pickett for an additional yr.
While Trubisky is in line to reprise his function as backup, the Steelers ought to have a look at different choices forward of free company. Here are the top-five quarterbacks who may fill Trubisky’s function, at a extra inexpensive charge in addition.
All estimated market values courtesy of Spotrac
Age: 27Experience: 5 years Estimated market worth: 2 years, $13 million (avg. $6.5 million per season)
Mayfield’s market worth remains to be a little bit too excessive for a backup. That being stated, Mayfield is a extremely skilled quarterback whose expertise features a playoff win over the Steelers again in 2020. A former No. 1 general decide, Mayfield’s mobility can be an asset inside Matt Canada’s offense. He’s nonetheless younger (he turns 28 in April), so Mayfield might be a long-term backup possibility for Pickett.
Age: 30Experience: 9 years
A fellow former first-round decide, Bridgewater has received precisely half of his 66 profession begins (together with the postseason). He’s simply two years faraway from a strong season in Denver that noticed him full practically 67% of his passes with greater than twice as many touchdowns (18) then interceptions (7). A yr earlier than that, Bridgewater accomplished over 69% of his throws because the Panthers’ beginning quarterback.
Age: 30
Experience: 7 years
Estimated market worth: 1 yr, $5.5 million
Mobility is not Brissett’s recreation, which is why he is not ranked greater. A former Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, Brissett is an skilled participant who has beforehand performed for 4 totally different franchises. He threw 18 touchdowns in opposition to simply six picks because the Colts’ beginning quarterback in 2019. Last yr, whereas filling in for the Browns throughout Deshaun Watson’s suspension, Brissett threw twice as many touchdowns (12) as interceptions (6) in 11 begins. He’s additionally a extremely revered veteran who has served as a crew chief on earlier groups.
Age: 26Experience: 4 years
“Minshew Mania” was the discuss of Jacksonville throughout his rookie season again in 2019. The sixth-round decide received half of his begins whereas entertaining followers together with his play fashion and character. The mania resulted in 2020, nonetheless, after Minshew received simply one among his eight begins. He was in the end traded to Philadelphia, the place he made three begins in two years.
Minshew’s 8-16 file as a starter is underwhelming, however he does have a powerful profession landing/interception ratio of 44/15. He has additionally accomplished practically 63% of his 933 profession cross makes an attempt.
Age: 25
Experience: 4 years
Darnold has had the unenviable job of taking part in for 2 franchises who didn’t encompass him with a lot expertise. He did handle to win over half of his begins in 2019 (his second season with the Jets) and went 4-2 because the Panthers’ beginning quarterback in 2022. The former No. 1 general decide has 61 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in 56 profession video games. He’s 21-34 as a starter.
Instead of being the point of interest, Darnold received most of his video games final yr by not making errors and leaning on a strong dashing assault.
