The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with high hopes that he would be the future of the franchise. However, things did not go as planned. In two seasons, Pickett struggled, winning just 14 games and throwing 13 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, and quarterback, Kenny Pickett, look on during a game.
Pickett's tenure in Pittsburgh was marred by a struggling offensive system, significantly influenced by former offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. Under Canada's guidance, the Steelers' offense reached historically poor performance levels, leading to his unprecedented midseason firing. This move was a rarity for the Steelers, but deemed necessary due to the offense's dire state.
Following Canada’s departure, the Steelers' offense saw immediate improvement, with Pickett delivering the best performance of his career against the Cincinnati Bengals. He completed 72.7% of his passes for 278 yards in the Steelers' victory, although he still did not throw a touchdown pass. Unfortunately, Pickett suffered an injury in the subsequent game and never played for the Steelers again.
Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac was asked if the locker room was more excited to see Pickett or Canada leave. Dulac revealed that the team was excited to be rid of both, but was particularly thrilled about removing Canada.
“Greater sentiment (when Canada was fired).”
Pickett's tenure in Pittsburgh was marked by a perceived lack of fair opportunities. He played in numerous games and had ample chances to prove himself. However, fans struggled to determine whether his struggles stemmed from Canada's poor offensive system, or if Canada's system had to compensate for Pickett's performance. It could have been a combination of both. If Pickett truly had exceptional talent, he likely would have shown more, even within a flawed system.
The NFL is notoriously harsh, and a player's success can often hinge on the system they're placed in. It was evident that the system Pickett was playing in significantly limited him. When the Steelers removed Canada, Pickett's performance began to improve. Unfortunately, his injury was both untimely and devastating. Had he not been injured and continued on his upward trajectory, he might still be with the team today.
After Pickett's injury, a report surfaced claiming he refused to back up Mason Rudolph upon recovery. This report has been met with conflicting accounts from those close to the team. However, what is clear is that Pickett was unhappy with the Steelers' decision to bring in veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. This dissatisfaction led Pickett to request a trade, which the Steelers granted, sending him to the Philadelphia Eagles. There, he found a new home and expressed his happiness to back up Jalen Hurts.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Mason Rudolph (2) and Kenny Pickett (8) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side.
By shifting to the Eagles, Pickett found a place where he now feels more valued and has the chance to continue developing his skills in a supportive environment. His journey underscores the impact that team dynamics and systems can have on a player's career in the NFL. For the Steelers, it worked out well as well. They now have a plan for the now and future in their quarterback room. Wilson is the now and the hopeful future of the franchise may lie in the other quarterback they traded for, Justin Fields.
Steelers' George Pickens Appeared Happier When Kenny Pickett Left
One noticeable shift when Pickett left Pittsburgh was the change in wide receiver George Pickens' attitude. With Pickett as his quarterback, Pickens often posted cryptic messages on social media, liked posts that criticized his quarterback, and showed visible frustration when not getting the ball. However, when Rudolph took over, Pickens had the best game of his career. Even when he wasn't targeted at all in the final game of the year, Pickens was still celebrating and excited about the team's victory. This marked a significant improvement in his effort and attitude.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5348-544x306.jpg "Steelers George Pickens")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (#14) walks off the field during a 2023 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Pickett was known as a great guy and a dedicated teammate. The way his time in Pittsburgh ended was not what anyone had hoped for. Steelers fans will continue to follow his career as he takes on his new role with the Eagles. Both Pickett and the Steelers seem to be content with the outcome, making it a positive resolution for everyone involved.
#SteelerNation
