Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett joined the organization after spending just two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The University of Pittsburgh product posted 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 games for the Steelers after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Needless to say, the Steelers gave up on him quickly and dealt him for mid-round pick swaps. Now in Philadelphia, the 26-year-old is embracing the change of scenery. "Change is a great thing," Pickett said. "I'm going through it right now. I was in Pittsburgh for seven years, and now I'm over in Philadelphia. I think a lot of people probably have some negative views on change, but that's really just your outlook on it. I think if you keep a positive mindset, it'll all work out for the better." While taking a step back could be a good thing for Pickett's career, he's unlikely to see any playing time anytime soon barring an injury to Jalen Hurts. That said, he could be an intriguing bench stash in two-QB and superflex leagues due to the offensive weaponry and offensive line the Eagles possess.
The Philadelphia Eagles are acquiring quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday in a pick swap, according to sources. It's unclear as of right now what draft picks are involved. Pickett, who opened last year as the Steelers' starting quarterback before getting hurt and losing the job to Mason Rudolph, preferred to move on after the team signed veteran QB Russell Wilson to a one-year deal this week in free agency. Pickett was likely to back up Wilson in 2024, but instead he'll be the backup for Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia with a move to the NFC. The 25-year-old former 20th overall pick out of Pitt in 2022 has looked like more of a backup in the NFL than a starter in his two years in the league, and this move certainly is a hit to his dynasty/keeper value moving forward.
Kenny Pickett Could Get Another Shot As Starting QB
The Pittsburgh Steelers have started the process of rebuilding third-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, and sources say that new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith recently spent time with Pickett in South Florida, and that the two had a "great" meeting. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the sentiment at last week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, including some with the Steelers, was that Pickett could get another chance after a disastrous 2023 due in part to the offense's overall struggles under then-offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Smith could help maximize Pickett's skill set, but there's little doubt Pittsburgh will bring in competition for Pickett, which could mean a Mason Rudolph re-signing. The Steelers have also been mentioned as a possibility to trade for Bears QB Justin Fields, which would be even worse news for Pickett.
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan said that he has "full faith" in quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett, a former first-round pick, hasn't looked good in his first two NFL seasons, but lacking other options on their current roster, the Steelers are crossing their fingers that the 25-year-old can make improvements this offseason and earn the starting gig this summer in training camp. It doesn't mean that they won't look to re-sign Mason Rudolph or bring in another veteran in free agency to push Pickett for the starting gig, though. In 25 games (24 starts) since his rookie season in 2022, Pickett has completed only 62.6% of his pass attempts for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Not only was Pickett hurt in 2023, but he was also benched in favor of Rudolph late in the year. Unless he makes a drastic improvement in Year 3, Pickett might not be long for Pittsburgh.
Kenny Pickett Will Have Competition As Starter In 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that quarterback Kenny Pickett will return as the team's starter next season but will definitely have competition. The Steelers want Mason Rudolph to provide the competition for Pickett, but "he's a free agent." Pickett was mostly underwhelming in his 12 starts in 2023 before injuring his ankle in Week 13 and never playing again the rest of the year as Rudolph eventually took over and led the team to three straight wins to close out the regular season to help the team clinch a playoff spot. Since being taken in the first round in 2022, the 25-year-old Pickett has completed only 62.6% of his pass attempts for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 games (24 starts). He's going to have to play a lot better during training camp and the preseason to beat out Rudolph or whoever the Steelers bring in to compete with him.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session and doesn't carry an injury designation into the Week 18 regular season finale on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite Pickett looking healthy, the Steelers will stick with Mason Rudolph in a must-win game in Week 18. Rudolph has led this team to a 2-0 record with 564 yards and two touchdowns in his two starts. Pickett struggled throughout most of the season before going down with an ankle injury that required surgery. It's not shocking to see head coach Mike Tomlin sticking with the hot hand in Rudolph. The good news is that Pickett doesn't appear to be injured anymore, but he's going to have to win back the starting job in 2024.
Kenny Pickett Listed As Full Participant In Practice
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) was listed as a full participant on the team's estimated report on Tuesday for the first time since he had tightrope surgery on his right ankle on Dec. 4. Pickett is trending up heading into a must-win Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens, but even if he is cleared to play this weekend, the Steelers are going to give Mason Rudolph his third straight start after leading the team to back-to-back wins to keep them in the playoff hunt. If the 25-year-old signal-caller is active against Baltimore, he will be the backup for Rudolph. Pickett had his best game of the season in the Week 12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, throwing for a season-high 278 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. A week later he suffered an ankle injury that required surgery and kept him out of the last four games.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 17 versus the Seattle Seahawks. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity this week. While the young quarterback was a game-time decision, the expectation all along was that Mason Rudolph would draw the start after leading Pittsburgh to a big win over Seattle last week. Now, with Pickett sidelined, Mitch Trubisky will serve as Rudolph's backup.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) is currently listed as questionable for the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The young signal-caller has been sidelined since Week 13 due to an ankle injury. Pickett was able to get through limited practice sessions all week. If he's active, Pickett is going to be the backup to Mason Rudolph, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. That means, fantasy managers who have Pickett rostered should prepare to start another quarterback this weekend. Possibly, Pickett returns in Week 18, but that'll likely depend if the Steelers are still alive in the postseason race.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. The young signal-caller continues to work his way back from an ankle injury he suffered in Week 13. Head coach Mike Tomlin has already hinted that Mason Rudolph will start in Week 17. That being said, it doesn't seem like the Steelers are in any rush to get Pickett back on the field. Possibly, Pickett suits up next week if the Steelers remain alive in the playoff picture. Otherwise, fantasy managers should expect the Steelers to continue to ride with Rudolph under center and let Pickett get healthy.
