The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move on Friday, trading quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In exchange for Pickett, the Eagles acquired the quarterback along with the No. 120 pick in the upcoming 2024 draft. In return, the Steelers secured the No. 98 pick in this year’s draft, along with two seventh-round selections in 2025.
Pickett, who started in 24 games for the Steelers over the past two seasons, saw his future with the team become uncertain after the signing of former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract during free agency.
BREAKING: Eagles traded for Kenny Pickett, per @Adamschefter pic.twitter.com/5ulkGttMS6
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 15, 2024
Now, at 25 years old, Pickett becomes the clear backup in Philadelphia behind Jalen Hurts, a two-time Pro Bowl passer. The trade came as a surprise to many NFL fans, considering Pickett was the Steelers’ No. 20 overall pick in the 2020 draft.
The reaction on social media was swift, with commentators expressing shock and surprise at the trade and the end of Pickett’s tenure in Pittsburgh. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette indicated that the Steelers made the trade due to Pickett’s apparent difficulty in handling Wilson’s arrival.
Trade: Steelers are sending QB Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles in a pick swap, sources tell ESPN.
Once Pittsburgh signed Russell Wilson, Pickett preferred to move on. pic.twitter.com/cvsAP2e8lB
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2024
Despite some relief among fans, who are eager to see Wilson take over as the starter in 2024, Pickett’s departure highlights the challenges he faced during his time with the Steelers. Despite flashes of promise, Pickett struggled with inconsistency, completing 62.6 percent of his throws for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions during his first two NFL seasons.
The move marks a departure from the typical approach of the Steelers, who often stick with their first-round picks until the end of their contracts. With Pickett gone, the Steelers enter the 2024 season without a quarterback competition, while the Eagles have secured a new backup for Hurts following Marcus Mariota’s departure to the Washington Commanders.
