Kenny Pickett's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

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.

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.

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.