The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Monday the release of quarterback Mitch Trubisky, offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor, and punter Pressley Harvin, marking a strategic shift in their roster composition for the upcoming season.

This move comes a year after Trubisky was signed to a two-year extension, according to ESPN.

The trio's departure is expected to yield substantial financial benefits for the Steelers, saving them nearly $13 million in the 2024 salary cap.

Trubisky, 29, who was set to incur a cap hit of over $7 million in 2024 and more than $8 million in 2025, now leaves behind a cap hit of $4.6 million in 2024, resulting in significant savings of nearly $3 million.

Mitch Trubisky, a former first-round pick, was originally slated to play the second year of a three-year contract, keeping him in Pittsburgh through the 2025 season.

However, the decision to release him leaves 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett as the sole quarterback on the Steelers' roster for the upcoming season.

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Quarterback Competition Looms as Pickett Takes the Helm

Head coach Mike Tomlin, in a season-ending news conference, expressed his desire for a quarterback competition in the fall involving the promising Kenny Pickett, per Yahoo! Sports.

Tomlin acknowledged Pickett's efforts and progression but emphasized the need for competition to elevate the team's quarterback position further.

"There will be competition," Tomlin said January 18. "I'm appreciative of [Pickett's] efforts and where he is and excited to continue working with him. But certainly, he will be challenged from a competition perspective moving forward."

Pickett, who took over from Mitch Trubisky late in the previous season, will likely face competition.

While the Steelers could potentially re-sign Mason Rudolph, Tomlin's recent comments indicate that the team will explore other options.

Reports suggest the Steelers are considering pursuing free agent Ryan Tannehill, who brings experience from four-plus seasons as the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans.

Challenges in Offensive Performance

The Steelers faced offensive challenges in the previous season, ranking 25th in total yards per game (304.3) and 28th in points scored per game (17.9), Fox News noted.

Despite these struggles, the team secured a playoff spot with a 10-7 record, relying heavily on a formidable defense.

Trubisky, who started as the Steelers' quarterback at the beginning of the 2022 season, was eventually benched in favor of Pickett after a 2-3 start.

Trubisky played in five games, completing 62.6% of his pass attempts for 632 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions. The team lost both games he started.

In the latter part of the season, Trubisky started two games due to Pickett's injury, ending in losses before Rudolph took over.

The decision to release Mitch Trubisky signifies the team's commitment to Pickett as the primary quarterback, with the intention of building a competitive and dynamic offensive unit.

As the Steelers navigate the offseason, addressing quarterback needs and enhancing offensive performance will be crucial.

The upcoming months will provide clarity on the quarterback landscape and strategic moves to solidify the team's position for the 2024 season.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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