Steelers trading QB Kenny Pickett to Eagles, clearing way for Russell Wilson to start

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A couple like that never worked out as expected. Pickett began his rookie season as a backup Mitchell Trubisky, but found himself in the thick of the NFL battle in Week 4 when Tomlin called him up to replace the struggling Trubisky. From there until midway through the 2023 season, Pickett remained the team’s starter, but struggled to find consistency in both performance and availability, and numerous injuries cost him playing time.

The most damning sign that the Pickett era could be nearing its end came when Tomlin decided to continue with the veteran backup. Mason Rudolph on a healthy Pickett in the final month of the Steelers’ 2023 season, in which Rudolph led Pittsburgh to an unlikely playoff berth. The series of events threw the entire quarterback situation into uncertain waters entering 2024, leading the Steelers to sign the recently released Wilson in March.

Apparently, Pittsburgh’s intention to start Wilson next season has led to the decision to trade Pickett. He, too, will not have a chance to start in Philadelphia, where the franchise quarterback Jalen hurts is firmly entrenched as QB1 entering 2024.

Pickett’s struggles in Pittsburgh will never be attributed solely to the quarterback. He spent a season and a half playing under embattled offensive coordinator Matt Canada, whose ineptitude as a play-caller infuriated Steelers fans and ultimately forced Tomlin to resign. fire him during the 2024 season. Pickett showed glimpses of immediate improvement in the post-Canada world, but couldn’t stay on the field long enough to prove that it was Canada, not Pickett, that was the problem under center.

Steelers fans will never know the truth and will instead prepare for a 2024 season with Wilson leading the way at quarterback. In the meantime, Pickett will prepare to hold a clipboard and absorb all the wisdom he can from Hurts, head coach Nick Sirianni and the rest of the Eagles in what is shaping up to be an important season for the 2022 NFC champions.

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