Kenny Pickett Asked For Trade From Steelers Due To Wilson Signing

For the past few years, quarterback Kenny Pickett has been at the center of Pittsburgh sports. Playing collegiately for Pitt from 2017-2021, he was taken by the hometown team with the 20th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.

He played with the Steelers for two seasons, but the two parties’ relationship began to sour near the end of last season. Most recently, Pittsburgh traded for quarterback Russell Wilson, which was the last straw for Pickett – he requested a trade and was sent to Philadelphia a day later. Pickett joins the Eagles as the backup behind Jalen Hurts, but a change of scenery seemed to be what he was looking for.

Pickett was reportedly unhappy with the signing of Wilson, who by all accounts came in to take the starting role. He canceled a workout with receivers the day of the trade and formally asked the organization to be traded himself a day later.

It wasn’t just the team’s efforts to bring in a new starter during the offseason that Pickett saw as a sign of disloyalty, but also in the 2023 season. Coming back from an injury, the Steelers chose to start Mason Rudolph, which was also a preference by Pickett’s teammates. In the final game of the season, Pickett didn’t even suit up for the team as the emergency third-string quarterback behind Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky.

“I came to this city seven 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,” Pickett said in a farewell social media post. “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!”

Unlike many other professional athletes changing teams, Pickett failed to mention the Steelers organization, instead deciding to focus on the city and people as a whole. By not mentioning his former team or any players in particular, it’s safe to say that he’s satisfied with a fresh start.

Over the course of two seasons, Pickett only played a total of 25 games, in which he threw for a combined 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The Steelers finished with a 9-8 record in 2022 and a 10-7 record in 2023 losing in the Wild Card Round to the Buffalo Bills.

Along with Wilson, Pittsburgh also brought in former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, who was signed shortly after Pickett was traded. Though Pickett played in a majority of the games with the Steelers, they have struggled to find a franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger. Now, with Wilson and Fields, they have two chances to find a long-term solution.

Pickett, instead, goes to Philadelphia where he will be the No. 2 behind Hurts, and most likely only see action due to an injury or lopsided score.