Steelers trade Kenny Pickett to the Eagles

Steelers have traded their star quarterback Kenny Pickett to their division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. This trade has sent shockwaves through the NFL community as Pickett was seen as the future of the Steelers franchise. The decision to trade him to a division rival has left many fans scratching their heads and wondering what the front office is thinking.

Pickett, who had a breakout season last year, was expected to lead the Steelers for years to come. His strong arm and leadership on the field made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. However, it seems that the front office had other plans for their quarterback position.

Adam Schefter, hours after the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed Russell Wilson into their building, Pickett's departure doesn't signal a complete overhaul of the old-school, loyal organization's way of thinking. If anything, it reinforces that core tenet at the heart of the franchise. It's also an admission that the organization was wrong.

Limited by a talent level that fell short of his draft pick and stubborn decision-makers who stepped in too late, Pickett expressed displeasure with Wilson's signing by requesting a trade. It spelled the end of an era that some would argue never should have started.

Pickett asked for a trade in the aftermath of learning of Wilson's signing through social media on Sunday night and being told Monday morning by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin that Wilson would get first-team reps in the pole position to be QB1, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported. Tomlin had previously told Pickett he'd have a chance to compete for the starting job, according to Pelissero.

Pickett had 24 starts, going 14-10. He threw 4,474 yards for 13 touchdowns and had 13 interceptions. He had ankle surgery in December and stayed on the sidelines as Rudolph took over. Dulac also reported that Pickett refused to dress in Week 17 against Seattle. 

Wilson was officially released by the Broncos earlier this week and is joining the Steelers on a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum of $1.2 million. At Friday's press conference, Wilson said he's grateful to be in Pittsburgh. 

The spotlight won’t be nearly as bright for Pickett in Philadelphia, which already has an established starter in Jalen Hurts. Pickett, who grew up in central New Jersey about 80 miles from Lincolin Financial Field, will get an opportunity to hit the reset button on a career that’s gone awry quickly.

The move also gives the Eagles some experienced depth behind Hurts, who Philadelphia drafted in 2020 after signing Carson Wentz to a lengthy extension.

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Sarah H

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