Kenny Pickett wrote a farewell to the city of Pittsburgh after the Steelers traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Thank you, Pittsburgh! I came to this city 7 years ago and my life changed forever,” Pickett wrote Sunday on Instagram. “Grateful for all of the amazing people I was fortunate enough to cross paths with, and for all of those who supported me along the way. I made life-long friendships and relationships that I will always cherish. Now, I am honored and excited for the next opportunity in my career – being able to play for the team that helped me find my love for the game as a kid. Go Birds!!”
On Saturday, the Steelers officially traded Pickett and pick No. 120 in this year’s draft for the No. 98 pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks. They remade their quarterback room by signing Russell Wilson and acquiring Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears.
Pickett discussed his new circumstances during a Monday press conference. The former called it an “awesome opportunity” to play for the Eagles and explained why he was ready for a change of scenery.
“I just thought it was time,” Pickett said, per 94WIP.com’s Eliot Shorr-Parks. “It just felt like it was time from things that transpired. I wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else and continue to grow my career.”
While he didn’t deny requesting a trade, Pickett disputed claims that he was “poorly handling” Wilson’s arrival. The 25-year-old also denied refusing to suit up as an emergency quarterback behind Mason Rudolph in Week 17.
“I’m confident in the way that I handed it,” Pickett said. “I handled it the way I should have handled it. I’m excited to be here. It worked out so well that Philly was the place I ended up landing in, so I think everything happens for a reason.”