Two years after getting drafted as a future franchise quarterback, Kenny Pickett joins the Philadelphia Eagles as a clear understudy.
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded their 2022 first-round pick to the Eagles, where Pickett will sit behind Jalen Hurts. Pickett maintained a positive spin on his new circumstances.
During an interview with NBC Philadelphia’s Rob Kuestner, Pickett called it “great” to play alongside Hurts under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
“Jalen’s an incredibly talented player. He’s played in a similar system, and we’re kind of all learning this new one together,” Pickett said. “So the communication back and forth in the quarterback room has been awesome with the quarterbacks coaching us and Kellen.”
Pickett is grateful for his opportunity despite needing an injury to see any playing time in 2024.
“I couldn’t ask for a better room, better staff to be working with,” he continued. “Obviously, the talent around this team is pretty special, so it’s a great group to be in.”
Pickett recorded 13 passing touchdowns and interceptions apiece in 25 games for Pittsburgh. He averaged just 6.3 yards per pass attempt with a 78.8 quarterback rating in two seasons.
After making the playoffs behind third-stringer Mason Rudolph, the Steelers remodeled their quarterback room by acquiring Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. In turn, they sent Pickett and this year’s No. 120 pick to Philadelphia for the No. 98 overall selection and two seventh-round picks in 2025.
Pickett will provide an insurance policy to an offense that slumped mightily down the stretch. The Eagles lost six of their final seven games, including a first-round playoff elimination, while averaging 18.9 points scored.
However, something must go wrong for Pickett to play any role in navigating a 2024 turnaround.