Mitchell Trubisky Discusses Interest in Joining Steelers, Giants in NFL Free Agency

Mitchell Trubisky is weighing all of his options as the veteran quarterback embarks on NFL free agency for the second year in a row.

Trubisky spoke highly of New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who was his offensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills, in an interview with ESPN's Adam Schefter (via Kevin Patra of NFL.com):

"I think of Coach Daboll right away just because of my connection with him right away in Buffalo. I'm excited to see what he does in New York. I don't know where I'm gonna go, but I know whatever he does there he's going to do a great job with that offense. He's a great leader of men. He's real and authentic with all the guys and I think that's why so many people respected him in our building. I'm excited to see what he's going to do."

He also referenced the Pittsburgh Steelers, who might be in the market for an experienced signal-caller following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, and called them a "legendary franchise."

"You think of the Black and Gold, you think of the coach, Mike Tomlin. Ben Roethlisberger slinging it around," Trubisky said. "But the Black and Gold, just legendary colors. A great historical franchise for the NFL."

By signing with the Giants, Trubisky would effectively be putting Daniel Jones into the same position he was in in 2020.

The Chicago Bears declined Trubisky's fifth-year option 2021, which was a clear sign of the franchise's lack of faith in him. The Bears also acquired Nick Foles that offseason, and Foles subsequently took over as the starter midway through the season. That sealed Trubisky's fate in the Windy City.

ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported in February "it seems likely [the Giants] will pass" on Jones' fifth-year option, which will be worth $22.4 million in 2023.

Trubisky's arrival would put a level of pressure on Jones to deliver, and the absence of a commitment for 2023 would pave the way for Trubisky to be a starter again in the event Jones continues to struggle.

In Pittsburgh, the quarterback situation is even more messy because there isn't a clear successor to Roethlisberger. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on March 3 that the Steelers "will look everywhere" for a solution this offseason:

Considering the arc of his Bears tenure, Pittsburgh probably wouldn't be signing Trubisky with the idea of him being a long-term answer. The 27-year-old would at least be an upgrade over Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins and thus serve as a nice stopgap if the Steelers targeted a quarterback in the 2022 NFL draft.

That Trubisky, who didn't go above and beyond in his time as a starter, could have multiple solid offers on the table is a testament to the scarcity of experienced quarterbacks this offseason.