The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to change at the quarterback position. In the post-Ben Roethlisberger era, the team is facing uncertainty regarding who will lead them under center. While the Steelers have invested in promising young quarterbacks, the idea of bringing back a familiar face—a veteran quarterback who has been a part of the organization before—has started to gain traction among fans and pundits alike. Could the Steelers bring back a quarterback they’ve seen succeed before? In this blog post, we’ll explore the possibility of a reunion with a familiar face and what it could mean for the future of the team.
### The Case for Bringing Back a Familiar QB
When we talk about a “familiar” quarterback, we could be referring to one of two things: either a former Steelers quarterback or a veteran signal-caller with some past ties to the organization. One of the most likely candidates for a reunion would be *Mitch Trubisky*—the Steelers’ backup quarterback in 2022 and part of the team’s plans after Roethlisberger’s retirement. But beyond Trubisky, there are also other names floating around that could stir up discussion about a potential return.
Let’s break down the situation.
#### 1. **Mitch Trubisky: A Surprising Candidate**
Mitch Trubisky’s time in Pittsburgh was a bit of a mixed bag. After signing a two-year deal with the Steelers in 2022, he was expected to provide a stable veteran presence in the quarterback room, backing up Kenny Pickett, the team’s first-round draft pick. Trubisky started the 2022 season as the starting quarterback but was benched midway through the year after struggling in a few games. His replacement, Pickett, has shown potential, but Trubisky is still on the roster and could become a key piece of the quarterback equation moving forward.
If the Steelers were to consider bringing back Trubisky as a starter or in a more prominent role, there are several factors to consider:
– **Familiarity with the System**: Trubisky spent a full season in Pittsburgh, meaning he’s already familiar with the offensive system and coaching staff. Given the challenges of integrating a new quarterback into a system, having someone with prior experience could be invaluable.
– **Veteran Leadership**: Trubisky has more than 50 NFL starts under his belt, and while his time as a starter in Chicago was uneven, he could bring leadership and guidance to the young quarterbacks on the roster.
– **Backup Role and Competition**: The Steelers may want Trubisky to return as a seasoned backup or a bridge quarterback if they don’t feel ready to hand the reins over to a young quarterback like Pickett. This role could allow him to mentor the next generation of quarterbacks while also providing depth in case of injury or poor performance.
#### 2. **The Possible Return of a Former Star**
While Trubisky might seem like the obvious candidate, some fans have begun to wonder whether the Steelers could look even further back in their history. Could the Steelers entertain the idea of bringing back a former star, like *Bruce Gradkowski* or *Charlie Batch*, in a role as a backup or mentor?
While these two quarterbacks may not be in the NFL currently, their names have been brought up in conversation due to their deep ties to Pittsburgh. Of course, bringing back an aging former quarterback wouldn’t make sense in a competitive context, but the idea of rekindling the old guard could be appealing, especially if the team is searching for veteran leadership or for a bridge during a rebuilding phase.
However, this scenario seems unlikely given that the Steelers have moved forward with new plans for their quarterback room. Nonetheless, the team could look at former quarterbacks with deep knowledge of the system and leverage them for their expertise in preparing the current crop of quarterbacks.
#### 3. **Why Bring Back a QB in the First Place?**
Given the investment in Kenny Pickett, one might wonder why the Steelers would consider bringing back a veteran quarterback at all. After all, the team invested a first-round pick in Pickett in 2022, and he’s been given a reasonable amount of time to develop. With the focus on building around the young quarterback, why go back to a familiar veteran?
There are a few reasons why bringing in a veteran quarterback, whether it’s Trubisky or someone else, could be a smart move for Pittsburgh:
– **Injury Insurance**: The NFL is a brutal league, and injuries to quarterbacks happen with regularity. If Pickett were to go down, the Steelers would need someone capable of stepping in and keeping the offense moving. A veteran presence can provide that stability.
– **Mentorship**: One of the most underrated aspects of having a veteran quarterback is their ability to mentor younger players. Having a backup who’s been in the league for years can help speed up the development process for someone like Pickett, who can learn from their experiences, mistakes, and successes.
– **Competition**: Even though the team has shown faith in Pickett, competition at every position is healthy. Trubisky, in particular, could provide some internal competition that pushes Pickett to improve his game. There’s no harm in having a capable backup pushing the starting quarterback, especially if it motivates the younger player to work harder.
– **System Continuity**: If Trubisky returns, there’s no need for an adjustment period in terms of learning a new system. The Steelers’ offensive playbook is something Trubisky is already familiar with, making it easier to plug him in if needed.
#### 4. **Looking Ahead: The Future of the Steelers’ Quarterback Room**
The Steelers are undeniably in an interesting position. They have a young, promising quarterback in Kenny Pickett, who has the potential to be the face of the franchise for years to come. But the backup quarterback position has been in flux since Roethlisberger’s retirement, with Trubisky’s brief stint as a starter and the team’s apparent willingness to experiment with different players.
Whether the Steelers opt to bring back a familiar quarterback or stick with their existing plans will ultimately depend on several factors:
– **Pickett’s Development**: How fast can Kenny Pickett develop as a starting quarterback? If he shows marked improvement in 2024, the Steelers may feel comfortable moving forward with him as their unquestioned leader.
– **Team Strategy**: The Steelers’ front office will need to decide how to best complement Pickett’s development. If they believe that adding a veteran quarterback would help foster his growth, Trubisky or someone else could find their way back into the fold.
– **Financial Considerations**: The salary cap will also play a role in any decision. If the Steelers can’t afford to bring back Trubisky or another veteran quarterback, they may need to look at cheaper options to serve as the backup.
### Conclusion
The idea of bringing back a familiar quarterback isn’t as far-fetched as it may sound. Mitch Trubisky, in particular, offers a reasonable solution as a backup or bridge quarterback. He’s already familiar with the Steelers’ system and can offer veteran leadership if called upon. Whether it’s to mentor Kenny Pickett or to provide some competition and depth, reuniting with Trubisky could be a smart move for the Steelers as they continue to transition into the post-Roethlisberger era.
The future of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room will be shaped by the development of Pickett and the decisions the Steelers make in constructing their roster. For now, the idea of bringing back a familiar quarterback remains a plausible and intriguing option.