Kenny Pickett has loads of love for Pittsburgh, the place he loved nice success on the College of Pittsburgh earlier than turning into the beginning quarterback of town’s NFL staff. He could not, although, have related emotions concerning the Steelers, who unceremoniously traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles through the first week of free company.
Pickett penned a touching goodbye letter to Pittsburgh, however the be aware failed to say the Steelers, whose choice to signal Russell Wilson finally signaled the tip of Pickett’s time in Pittsburgh. The Steelers then traded for Pickett’s substitute (former Bears quarterback Justin Fields) a day after buying and selling him to Philadelphia.
It is easy to see why Pickett would have unwell emotions in the direction of the Steelers, who traded him after simply two years and 24 begins. Initially, Pickett was instructed that he would face competitors this summer time earlier than he was reportedly instructed that Wilson can be the staff’s beginning quarterback in 2024.
Pickett may have stayed and competed with Wilson anyway, however he finally determined {that a} contemporary begin was higher for him and his profession. He’ll get that chance in Philadelphia whereas serving as Jalen Hurts‘ backup.
Pickett’s time in Pittsburgh additionally included an ungainly place battle with Mitch Trubisky, subpar effort at instances from wideouts Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, and teammates brazenly stating their desire for Mason Rudolph, who signed with the Titans this offseason after the Steelers let him check the market. There have been additionally the conflicting studies concerning whether or not or not Pickett really refused to decorate for the Steelers’ Week 17 sport towards the Seahawks final season.
Whereas there have been loads of negatives, Pickett’s time with the Steelers included some positives, too. He helped lead the Steelers to a 9-8 end in 2022 after a 3-7 begin. Among the many highlights throughout that span was his game-winning landing move to Pickens on Christmas Eve and his game-winning scoring move to Najee Harris towards the Ravens in Week 17.
Pickett defeated the Ravens once more this season on a game-winning landing move to Pickens. In his second-to-last begin with Pittsburgh, Pickett threw for 279 yards whereas main the Steelers to a highway win over the Bengals.
Pickett will now proceed his profession in Philadelphia whereas enjoying for the staff he grew up cheering for.