The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the NFL world over the weekend by deciding to ship quarterback Kenny Pickett across the state to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In many ways, the writing was on the wall. Drafted to be Ben Roethlisberger 2.0, the Pickett-era got off to a promising start.
But for multiple reasons, the road got very muddy for Pickett in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers finally decided it was best to rip off the band-aid.
The Steelers skill position players summing up the Kenny Pickett era
pic.twitter.com/TStFhRnZpI https://t.co/TrNsXs8tHj— Forgotten Pittsburgh Athletes (@lost_pghplayers) March 18, 2024
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Steelers were disturbed with how poorly Pickett reacted to their acquisition of quarterback Russell Wilson.
According to Dulac, Pickett abruptly cancelled an out-of-town workout he had scheduled with Steelers receivers the day after Wilson signed.
Pickett needs to grow up and stop acting like a child or his career will be very short
— Jason C. (@_TwistedTech) March 17, 2024
Dulac also pointed out that there was no downplaying just how unhappy Pickett was when Mike Tomlin decided to stick with Mason Rudolph as the starter down the stretch last season.
“It all came to a head in Week 17 in Seattle when (Pickett) refused to dress as the emergency third quarterback,” Dulac added.
You can’t tell he’s lying, lack of eye contact, you can see him thinking of a way to spin it, he quickly turns the conversation away from the question by saying he’s just happy to be here.
— Tambo1123🏀🏈⚾️ (@TamburinoAndrew) March 18, 2024
There are also reports of deception and miscommunication between Pickett and the organization.
“How did this go sideways? Mike Tomlin had promised Kenny Pickett he’d get a chance to compete. Pickett learned about the Russell Wilson signing on social media Sunday night. When they spoke the next morning, Tomlin told Pickett that Wilson was in pole position and would get the first reps. So, Pickett asked for a trade. Now he’s an Eagle,” NFL Network Tom Pelissero reported.
How did this go sideways? Mike Tomlin had promised Kenny Pickett he’d get a chance to compete. Pickett learned about the Russell Wilson signing on social media Sunday night. When they spoke the next morning, Tomlin told Pickett that Wilson was in pole position and would get the… https://t.co/JJmgIyKojX
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2024
Needless to say, the short-lived Pickett-Pittsburgh marriage ended ugly.
Kenny Pickett on the reports over the last few days that he handled the Russell Wilson signing poorly
“I handled it the way I should’ve handled it”#NFL #Steelers
pic.twitter.com/RQIHh5mwhA— The Standard (@TheStandard412) March 18, 2024
The once-heralded golden boy took to Instagram to say his goodbyes.
“Thank you, Pittsburgh! I came to this city 7 years ago and my life changed forever. Grateful for all of the amazing people I was fortunate enough to cross paths with, and for all of those who supported me along the way. I made life-long friendships and relationships that I will always cherish. Now, I am honored and excited for the next opportunity in my career – being able to play for the team that helped me find my love for the game as a kid. Go Birds!!” Pickett posted.
View this post on Instagram
Interestingly, Pickett made no mention of the Steelers organization.
Perhaps it was an oversight. However, the chances are Pickett left the organization out on purpose.
It will be an amazing day when the media finally understands that Rooney and Tomlin have absolutely no idea what they are doing with offense or the QB position.
When you look at the totality on the situation, Kenny Pickett made the best decision he has ever made in his life. And… pic.twitter.com/ppTBtfJ52P
— Quetopulus (@quincylsb) March 18, 2024
Now, Pickett is off to Philadelphia where he will assume the backup quarterback role for the team he grew up rooting for.
Kenny Pickett addressed his time in Pittsburgh and joining the Philadelphia Eagles#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/QElJ1i8Qj7
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 18, 2024
The Eagles have had quite a busy offseason and are desperate to shake the stink of their nightmare 2023 season.
Adding Pickett surely helps solidify their quarterback room.
Kenny will prove to be a very valuable asset! He’s had 2 years of being in crazy town! With a well organized , stable team, he’ll be able to start fresh and work up to his potential!
— G Jones (@jones64689) March 18, 2024
What are your thoughts on the Steelers cutting bait with Pickett?
How do you feel about the direction they’re now heading in as they put all of their eggs in the Russell Wilson basket?
How about the trade from an Eagles perspective? … Do you think we’ll see Pickett taking meaningful snaps in 2024 due to an injury or benching to Hurts???
Will more than likely see the field at some point in 2024.
— Retiredat42 (@TheAutumnWind81) March 18, 2024