Just days after finalizing a one-year deal with Russell Wilson, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising move by trading former first-round pick Kenny Pickett.
In the deal, the Steelers shipped Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for pick No. 98 in this year’s draft and a pair of 2025 seventh-round picks.
The trade came shortly after NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed that Pickett had requested a trade from Pittsburgh. According to Pelissero, Pickett became disenchanted with the Steelers after learning about the signing of Russell Wilson via social media, feeling sidelined in the quarterback competition. Pickett’s request was granted, leading to his move to Philadelphia.
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Notably, Pickett publicly signaled his agreement with Pelissero’s tweet by liking it on his X account, effectively confirming his discontent with the Steelers’ acquisition of Wilson.
The Steelers had high hopes for Pickett when they drafted him in 2022, envisioning him as their franchise quarterback. However, his performance over two seasons fell short of expectations, with 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Reports also suggest Pickett’s dissatisfaction with being replaced by Mason Rudolph as the starting quarterback late in the previous season.
With Jalen Hurts firmly established as the starting quarterback for the Eagles, Pickett’s path to a starting role in Philadelphia seems uncertain.
