On March 6, the Buffalo Bills released a plethora of veterans while also welcoming back a familiar face. Mitch Trubisky, Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s backup for the 2021-22 NFL season, is returning to Buffalo.
The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft left the Bills on good terms. He went on to become the Pittsburgh Steelers’ new starting quarterback, but things did not go well. After signing a two-year $14.25 million contract with incentives worth up to $27 million, his stint as a starter was brief.
By week five of the 2022 NFL season, Pittsburgh had benched Trubisky in favor of rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. Trubisky had two more starts after Pickett’s ankle injury last season, going 0-2. Pittsburgh replaced him with quarterback Mason Rudolph, who went 3-0 and secured the Steelers’ postseason berth.
Trubisky spoke with media after signing his new contract in Buffalo on March 7 and discussed his departure from Pittsburgh. “It was a good, mutual breakup,” Trubisky explained.
“There were rumblings that they were planning to do it. I believe it’s better to act sooner rather than later if anything is likely to occur. In the end, it benefited both sides.
“I was thankful the Steelers released earlier than free agency actually started,” Trubisky said in a statement. “My agent was able to begin communicating with certain organizations. I took a really easygoing approach. I had a sense I’d end up right where I was supposed to be… It felt like returning home in the end.”
Trubisky signed a two-year, $5.25 million contract with the Bills, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, with $2.7 million guaranteed. “The deal maxes out at $8.45M with incentives tied to playtime plus wins.”
The North Carolina alum claimed having “a few spots” in mind for where he wanted to go, but Buffalo was at the top of the list. To “join a contender” and rejoin with Allen, “It just felt like a no-brainer,” the 29-year-old admitted.
“Reuniting with the team and playing a QB-friendly offensive system enhances my skill set…” So I was really excited about it.”
In terms of what he learned while playing for the Steelers, “I definitely had some ups and downs in Pittsburgh,” he admitted. “I learned a lot about what not to do and what I don’t necessarily enjoy. I believe that simply being allowed to express and have those thoughts heard is crucial.
“You come to a place like this where Josh’s opinion, the quarterbacks’ room viewpoint, and leadership are highly valued, and you need it to permeate the entire organization. So, simply being able to express what you like and dislike, and how that resonates with offense and building, is vital.”
Trubisky played six games for Buffalo, completing six of eight passes for 43 yards and one interception. In seven starts for the Steelers, he threw 184 passes for 1,884 yards, eight touchdowns, and ten interceptions.Trubisky said he has maintained in touch with Allen over the years. “I think he’s excited,” Trubisky said of the Bills’ franchise player. “I’ve always rooted for him. Being on the same team again will be something unique, and I’m excited to go to war with these men.”
Trubisky and his wife, Hilary, helped Allen celebrate his 26th birthday after leaving the Bills, thanks to a gift from the quarterback’s ex-girlfriend, Brittany Williams.
Hilary brought their newborn kid, Hudson David, born on May 9, 2022. An image of Allen cradling Hudson instantly went viral.
“My wife was pregnant with him the last time we were here,” Trubisky explained. “Now, everyone who comes back gets to see him when he’s two, so I’m excited to bring him back to Buffalo, where it all began for him.” It’s unique. Family is doing well.”
Hilary also appears pleased to return to Western, New York. She wrote on her Instagram Stories, “Back to Buffalo.” “Proud of you, @mtrubisky10.”
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