The Pittsburgh Steelers officially have a replacement for Big Ben.
Mitchell Trubisky won the Steelers’ quarterback competition and has now been named QB1 by coach Mike Tomlin in an announcement Tuesday afternoon: “Mitch Trubisky is our starting quarterback and our captain.”
How Mitch Trubisky won the Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB competition
Signed to a two-year, $14.2 million contract in the offseason, Trubisky outplayed rookie first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett and third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Tomlin said it was “challenging” to make the decision because all three quarterbacks played well. Among the reasons Tomlin referenced in naming Trubisky as the guy: ball security, experience, athletic ability, and his knowledge of the offense.
Tomlin also added that Pickett was elevated on the depth chart above Rudolph because the former Pitt standout had earned the backup job through his improving play.
Trubisky was previously with the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears. The former first-round draft pick from North Carolina played in six games last season for the Bills and completed 75% of his throws for 43 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed for 24 yards and a score.
Trubisky drew interest from the New York Giants this offseason, per a source. His four-year, $29 million rookie contract expired in 2020, and he joined the Bills on a one-year deal last year when Chicago declined his fifth-year club option.
“All three quarterbacks have just been great, if I’m being honest, but Mitch is the guy we’re riding with,” Steelers defensive end and team captain Cameron Heyward told Pittsburgh reporters on Monday.
Trubisky, 28, started every preseason game, completing 24 of 34 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns.
Being voted a captain is significant to him.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” Trubisky said “Anytime you’re voted by your peers and your teammates, it obviously means a lot. I just come in here, try to lead by example, earn the trust of my teammates, and for them to vote me captain, it definitely means a lot.”