What the Eagles acquisition of QB Kenny Pickett means for Jalen Hurts
The Philadelphia Eagles made a move at quarterback on Friday, trading for former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett. But what could the acquisition mean for starter Jalen Hurts?
In short, not much.
Soon after the Eagles traded away Carson Wentz in 2021, Hurts preached that he wasn't above competition, proclaiming that "rent is due every day." While it wouldn't be surprising to see him come into training camp this season with the same mentality, barring injury, there won't be a competition for the No. 1 job.
Following two pedestrian seasons with the Steelers, Pickett is not a threat to push Hurts. Likewise, his reaction to the Steelers' addition of Russell Wilson doesn't paint the picture of a quarterback ready to storm into Philly and take the top spot.
From Pickett's perspective, it is understandable to have some hurt feelings. Yet, instead of sticking around and competing for his job, he bailed. After the trade, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Pickett "preferred to move on" once Wilson came to town.
There's also the talent gap to consider, which is significant.
As the starting signal-caller, Hurts was as responsible as anyone for the Eagles' monumental collapse last season. In what many considered a down year, though, he still managed to record career highs in completions (352), passing yards (3,858) and touchdown passes (23).
Conversely, in his second year, Pickett didn't improve much from his rookie season. The 25-year-old went 7-5, throwing for only 2,070 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions. As Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice pointed out, Pittsburgh averaged just 14.7 points in Pickett's 12 starts.
The Eagles have always been a self-professed "QB factory," so picking up Pickett fits the franchise's MO of finding low-risk, high-reward bargains. Which, on the surface, is all he is – a bet that will cost relatively nothing if it doesn't pay off.
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