Has Mitch Trubisky done enough to be on a 2021 NFL Roster?

What does the future hold for Mitch Trubisky?

It was made clear to Chicago Bears fans in 2020 that Mitch Trubisky was no longer their long-term solution at quarterback. The former North Carolina Tarheel showed signs of promise in his first two seasons. He failed to build on them and took a major step back in 2019.

After having his fifth-year option declined and losing his starting job to Nick Foles, it’s unlikely Mitch Trubisky will suit up for the Bears again. The young quarterback will likely look to free agency to sign elsewhere, but has he done enough to earn a roster spot?

Mitch Trubisky – 2020 Season

Mitch Trubisky only has a small sample size to share of his 2020 year so far. In three games played as the starting quarterback, he has thrown for 560 yards with a 59.3% completion rate, six touchdowns and three interceptions.

It’s important to note that he did log in one rep during the team’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Trubisky came in and set up in a wildcat formation. He ran one play for a three-yard gain. Mitch Trubisky also injured his throwing shoulder that same play, the same shoulder he injured back in 2018.

The longer he’s out with an injury, the less likely he has any last chances to play again. The team already activated Tyler Bray from the practice squad in response to Trubisky’s injury. If he can recover before the season ends, there’s a chance he could see the field again for Chicago this year.

The Chicago Bears offensive struggles

The Bears offense in 2020 has struggled. The offensive line has seen injury and regression, the run game has stuttered to a halt and Foles has been inconsistent. The play calling has also spiraled downhill.

Should the team believe Foles is no longer a fit, they may resort to giving Trubisky another shot. This could also occur if the team falls far enough back that the playoffs are no longer obtainable.

Mitch Trubisky – Looking to 2021

The reality is that unless Foles gets hurt, Mitch Trubisky is unlikely to take his spot back. The young quarterback will likely finish his time in Chicago on the bench. He would finish with a starting record of 26-18.

All hope isn’t lost for Trubisky, however. The league has seen its fair share of young quarterbacks sign elsewhere to learn and develop as a backup. Jameis Winston signed a minimum deal to be Drew Brees’ backup in a solid Sean Payton offense. Marcus Mariota signed with the Las Vegas Raiders to potentially be an easy replacement behind Derek Carr, had he not gone to the Injured Reserve early on.

Trubisky has plenty of positive qualities to peak any team’s interest. He’s athletic and mobile, and his arm has plenty of power in it. He’s certainly better than most back-up quarterbacks currently. A team willing to let him sit with no immediate pressure to start may be able to help kickstart his career.

With roughly four seasons under his belt, Trubisky has a solid chance to be in the NFL in 2021. While his time in Chicago wasn’t a success, he still has plenty of time to show another team the potential he has, a potential seen by the Bears in 2017 when he was drafted.