We are actually within the midst of OTA’s with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and clearly the massive development yesterday was with regard to the stunning retirement of defensive end Stephon Tuitt. He appeared to be giving mixed signals regarding his potential return from knee injury, in addition to the tragic death of his brother via a hit-and-run vehicle accident. This news, the Diontae Johnson contract saga, in addition to the physique of Pro Bowl running back Najee Harris, have been lots of the storylines to date in mandatory minicamp. Nevertheless, because the hour glass on these minicamps shortens, perhaps the “elephant within the room” is with regard to who exactly will likely be under center starting at probably the most pivotal position in football?
For the primary time in 18 seasons, this query is on the forefront, as for nearly 20 years they’d a set-it-and-forget-it starter in Pro Bowler and multi-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger guiding the offense. The QB room now boasts impressive pedigree, because the team signed the #2 overall pick from the ’17 draft, Mitch Trubisky, and clearly spent their first-round draft selection this yr on the hometown Heisman finalist, Kenny Pickett. Each possess lots of the same measurables, including mobility, which will likely be a key element in truly unlocking Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada’s playbook. Perhaps that’s why Judy Battista, of NFL.com, cited the QB battle that’s unfolding now and can proceed later this summer at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe as one in all several key storylines as minicamps roll on.
“Kenny Pickett, will eventually be the starter — the one query is how quickly he will likely be ready, and if Mitchell Trubisky continues to be the higher option,” Battista wrote this morning on NFL.com. “Within the space of two offseasons, the Steelers have almost completely remade their offense, and Pickett’s ascendance — particularly because he was the one quarterback chosen in the primary round this yr — will likely be closely watched.”
Hailed by many as probably the most pro-ready QB on this yr’s draft, it’s clear Pickett will eventually be the guy, otherwise the team wouldn’t have invested precious first-round ammo on him. Nevertheless, Trubisky isn’t prone to simply roll over and hand over the keys to the castle, and a profession resurgence shouldn’t entirely be out of the query. Surrounded by far less talent and skill position players in Chicago, Trubisky led the team to the playoffs twice, and even made the Pro Bowl in 2018. He took a backup spot to Buffalo Bills’ MVP candidate Josh Allen last season, while also getting coached up by noted QB whisperer Brian Daboll, who’s now the Head Coach of the Latest York Giants.
Now in Pittsburgh, with an overhauled offensive line, several skill position draft picks, and a number of key free agent defensive signings, whoever takes the starting reigns needs to be in line to succeed. Battista also cited the changes on defense as something to hone in on, as longtime Defensive Coordinator Keith Butler retired and was replaced by in-house candidate Teryl Austin. Take into account that the team signed former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores to fill a senior defensive assistant role, so it’ll be interesting to see how the 2 work together to fill Tuitt’s shoes, be it with in-house options like Chris Wormley or draft pick DeMarvin Leal, or an out of doors free agent equivalent to Sheldon Richardson.
