In a surprising move, the Pittsburgh Steelers have released quarterback Mitch Trubisky, just a year after signing him to a two-year extension. This decision leaves 2022 first-round pick Kenny Picket as the sole quarterback on the Steelers’ roster for the upcoming season. While Trubisky’s departure may raise eyebrows, it provides an opportunity for Pickett to step into the spotlight and prove his worth.
The decision to release Trubisky also comes with financial benefits for the Steelers. Trubisky was set to count more than $7 million against the team’s cap in 2024, and over $8 million in 2025. However, by parting ways with him, the Steelers have saved nearly $3 million in cap space for the upcoming season. This financial freedom can be utilized to strengthen other areas of the team, whether it be signing additional talent or securing contract extensions for key players.
Trubisky’s time with the Steelers did not live up to expectations. After starting the first four games of the 2022 season, he was replaced by Pickett at halftime of the Week 4 game against the New York Jets. Despite making a few more appearances in relief of Pickett, Trubisky struggled to find consistency and was eventually benched for Mason Rudolph. His performance as a backup fell short, leading to the decision to release him. In his tenure as a Steeler, Trubisky had a completion rate of 64.1% and threw eight touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
The Steelers also bid farewell to offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor, who had one year remaining on his three-year contract. Okorafor’s release saves the team nearly $9 million in cap space, allowing them to allocate those funds elsewhere. While Okorafor had been a consistent starter for the team since being drafted in 2018, he faced benching after Week 7 of the previous season. The emergence of rookie first-round pick Broderick Jones relegated Okorafor to a limited role, ultimately leading to his release.
In addition to Trubisky and Okorafor, the Steelers also made a move in their punting game, releasing Pressley Harvin. Despite beating out long-time punter Jordan Berry as a rookie, Harvin’s performance throughout his three-season tenure with the Steelers remained inconsistent. With a net average of 39.4 yards per punt and an overall average of 43.7, Harvin failed to solidify his position within the team.
With the departure of Trubisky, Okorafor, and Harvin, the Steelers are now presented with an opportunity to reshape their roster and make strategic choices for the upcoming season. The financial savings from these releases enable the team to invest in areas that require attention, while also giving younger players the chance to step up and prove their worth. The dynamics of the team will undoubtedly change, and it will be exciting to see how head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff navigate this transition.
The Steelers’ decision to release Trubisky, Okorafor, and Harvin signifies a shift towards a new era within the organization. With a significant amount of cap space freed up, the team can explore various avenues to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Additionally, the departure of Trubisky allows Kenny Pickett to take center stage and showcase his potential as the team’s quarterback. The changes made in the offensive line and special teams will require the Steelers to make strategic decisions moving forward. It remains to be seen how these departures will impact the team’s overall performance, but one thing is certain – the Steelers are embracing change and laying the foundation for a new chapter in their storied history.
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