Mitch Trubisky's reported contract extension details with Steelers
Questions about Mitch Trubisky‘s future were cleared up as the details of his new contract extension came to light this week.
The Steelers have put their weight behind young starter Kenny Pickett and re-signed Mason Rudolph but they also managed to work out a team-friendly deal for Trubisky.
Although Pittsburgh signed him to a deal that would keep him with the team through 2025, the backup quarterback’s contract includes a team option for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Despite no changes to his $8 million base salary for the 2023 season, he did agree to convert most of that money, roughly $6.9 million, into a signing bonus, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. If he had not agreed to the salary conversion, it could have been the end of his stint in Pittsburgh. Now, Trubisky’s cap hit is much smaller, which gives the Steelers reason not to cut him – at least not this season.
His 2023 incentives now include up to $4.25 million for various milestones, including playing time, playoff appearances, or a Pro Bowl nomination.
Trubisky’s contract beyond 2023 stipulates a 2024 base salary of $4.25 million with a $1 million bonus for making the 90-man roster. The roster bonus is the same for 2025 but his base salary would increase to $5 million.
If Trubisky plays out his contract with the Steelers and becomes a free agent in 2026, he’ll be 32 years old. The former Chicago Bears first-rounder did start five games for Pittsburgh in 2022. He also played in two more games last season as Pickett’s backup. He completed 65% of his passes for 1,252 yards with four touchdowns against five interceptions.
Steelers secure two backups for Pickett in Trubisky, Rudolph
Mason Rudolph fully expected to have a new home in 2023 after his contract with the Steelers expired. However, he’s back with the Steelers for another go-round.
Rudolph ended up signing a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of $1.08 million with the Steelers earlier this month. Evidently, the signal-caller never closed the door on a potential return to the franchise, even if it seemed unlikely at times.
“Never say never in this league,” Rudolph said, via Joe Rutter of triblive.com.
The former Oklahoma State star has started 10 games throughout his NFL career in Pittsburgh.
Eight of his starts came in 2019 filling in for the injured Ben Roethlisberger. He led the Steelers to a 5-3 record, throwing for 1,765 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 62.2% passing. They’ve featured Rudolph sparingly in recent years. He made zero appearances during the 2022 season.