Kenny Pickett was one of the most interesting players to watch heading into the offseason. His numbers were poor for a first-round pick, and yet the team won games with him. When the team announced the signing of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, many wondered what would happen to Pickett. The team ended up trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles. After the trade, reports came out indicating that Pickett wasn’t happy with the Wilson signing and made a big stink about it. He defended his exit in a recent interview.
Kenny Pickett Defends Exit From The Pittsburgh Steelers
How did this go sideways? Mike Tomlin had promised Kenny Pickett he’d get a chance to compete. Pickett learned about the Russell Wilson signing on social media Sunday night. When they spoke the next morning, Tomlin told Pickett that Wilson was in pole position and would get the… https://t.co/JJmgIyKojX
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2024
According to the reports, Kenny Pickett found out about the signing on social media. Head coach Mike Tomlin told him that he would not be getting the first-team reps and that Wilson was the likely starter. This prompted Pickett to request a trade, which was granted. The reports didn’t paint the former first-round pick in a great light, with some pundits calling him “entitled.” Pickett responded to all of these reports, saying it doesn’t tell the whole story.
“I think the communication is what it is. It was behind closed doors. I’m confident in the way I handled it. 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. I think everything happens for a reason, and I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
We will never know what happened behind closed doors, but Kenny Pickett doesn’t seem upset with the team. He seems thankful for another opportunity and wants to continue to build his career in Philadelphia.
Does Kenny Pickett Have The Right To Be Ticked?
The team signed someone to take his job. Anyone would be a little upset about that type of situation. There is also more at play in this situation. Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been upset with Kenny Pickett for two years because he hasn’t lived up to his first-round status. However, that isn’t his fault. The team picked him there. I’m sure there were promises made, and then they decided to pivot, which never feels good.
With that said, Kenny Pickett didn’t do himself any favors. In 24 starts, he only has 13 touchdowns and has thrown 13 interceptions. To give you perspective, Mac Jones has 24 touchdown passes in the same timeframe in just one more start. It was time for a reset. Both parties will likely be happier moving on.
For More Great Sports Content
Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
Follow him on Twitter at @sorcerermatt, and follow us @TotalApexSports. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL sports, click here!