Steelers Former QB Kenny Pickett Was Not The Eagles First Choice

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a shocking move on Friday when General Manager Omar Khan traded Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. The trade reportedly happened because of the way Pickett was handling the signing of Russell Wilson, and the quarterback was not pleased with the idea of having to compete for the starting spot. Many thought Pittsburgh was giving up on Pickett when they made the move to sign Wilson, and now it is made official that the Steelers had lost faith in their starting quarterback for the better part of two seasons. 

The Steelers trading Pickett came as a bit of a surprise to most. The organization had just drafted him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and they hadn't even gave him a chance to play in a competent offense. He only got to start in two games after the firing of Matt Canada, with one of which being the best game of his career. Pickett will now assume the role of backup quarterback in Philadelphia, backing up Jalen Hurts during the 2024 season. Hurts struggled some towards the end of the 2023 season, and has had a history of injuries. Dan Graziano of ESPN reported that Pickett was not Philadelphia's first choice to back up Hurts.

"The Eagles, from what I understand talking to sources around the league, were one of the teams that had talked to the Bears about Justin Fields, but obviously could not get to the point where they agreed on a price, so they traded for Pickett." 

Pickett has had a rocky first two seasons in the NFL, however he has had many moments where he has looked like a franchise quarterback. He can certainly be an effective and reliable backup quarterback, and many think he still has a lot of upside. In exchange for Pickett and a 2024 fourth round pick, the Eagles gave the Steelers a third round pick in 2024 and two seventh round picks in 2025. 

The Chicago Bears have very openly made Justin Fields available for trade. It is all but certain the Bears will be using the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Caleb Williams, who is considered the best quarterback prospect of the last several years. Many teams have been in talks with Chicago about getting a deal done for Fields, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. 

The Eagles trading for Pickett likely takes them out of the running for Fields, and the Steelers trading Pickett to Philadelphia puts them right back in the conversation to make a move to land Fields. Wilson is the only quarterback under contract for the 2024 season within the organization, and the Steelers usually carry three on their roster, so a move at quarterback is inevitable in Pittsburgh.

Steelers Back In The Running For Fields

The Steelers and Bears couldn't agree on a price for Fields earlier in the offseason, and since then the Steelers signed Wilson to a minimum deal. The value of Fields is no where near what the Bears thought it would be, and his market is nearly nonexistent. The Steelers have more assets now after the Pickett and Diontae Johnson trades than they did before, which could be valuable when it comes to possibly trading for Fields. 

If the Steelers do decide to make a move for Fields, he will likely be the backup to Wilson for the 2024 season, but he will certainly compete with him for the starting job. Wilson has already made comments about being in Pittsburgh for the long-term, but a deal for a young quarterback like Fields puts those long-term wishes for Wilson to bed. 

What do you think about the Eagles wanting someone besides Pickett? Do you want Pittsburgh to get Fields? Let us know in the comments below!

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