The Pittsburgh Steelers traded quarterback Kenny Pickett earlier this offseason after Pickett expressed some displeasure due to the team’s signing of Russell Wilson.
The Steelers ended up sending Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he will now serve as Jalen Hurts’ backup.
To be perfectly honest, he probably had a better chance of getting playing time in Pittsburgh.
Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark shares the same sentiments and made them known during a recent appearance on the All Things Covered podcast.
“From what I hear, Kenny Pickett actually had an opportunity to compete there,” Clark said. “And he didn’t want it. So now he’s going to be a lifelong backup.”
Pittsburgh signed Wilson to a one-year deal, and given that Wilson is 35 years old and is clearly not the same player he was years ago, Pickett did have a chance of potentially starting at some point next season, and if not then, then maybe in 2025.
Instead, Pickett voiced his discontent, resulting in the Steelers trading him. Pittsburgh then proceeded to swing a deal with the Chicago Bears for Justin Fields.
Pickett was a major disappointment in Steel City.
The 25-year-old, who actually played his collegiate football at the University of Pittsburgh, was selected by the Steelers with the 20th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He had a lackluster rookie campaign, making 12 starts and throwing for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions. This past season, Pickett made 12 more starts before suffering an ankle injury. During that time, he totaled 2,070 yards, six touchdowns and four picks.
Kenny Pickett was expected to return from ankle surgery late in the season, but he ended up losing his job to Mason Rudolph.
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