Steelers Bust Kenny Pickett "Looks Totally Lost" As He Is Close To Losing Backup Job In Philadelphia

The Pittsburgh Steelers once thought they had their future franchise quarterback in former first-round pick, Kenny Pickett. The signal-caller had a near perfect training camp and preseason ahead of the 2023 season, but things quickly unraveled as the regular season kicked off. Pittsburgh's offense was often stagnant, and a lot of the blame was placed on former Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada. As the season went along, it became abundantly clear that Pickett was just as big of an issue.

Pittsburgh admitted their mistakes and traded Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 offseason. Pittsburgh also sent a fourth-round pick in the deal and received a third-round selection, as well as two seventh-round picks. So far, it seems like the deal has paid off for Pittsburgh as Pickett is struggling to hold on to the backup job in Philadelphia. Football personality Gregg Rosenthal spoke about Pickett after the Eagles' second preseason game on his show NFL Daily With Gregg Rosenthal.

"Tanner McKee is clearly the better quarterback backing up Jalen Hurts. Call the fight, I've seen enough. Kenny Pickett just looks totally lost. They gave up a decent draft pick to move up to get Kenny Pickett... 19 drop backs, 49 yards, he averaged under one yard in terms of air yards per completion. Just kind of a disaster for Kenny Pickett in this game that backs up what everyone has been seeing at practice. I think this has to be Tanner McKee's job at this point."

There is no battle for the starting job in Philadelphia, as Jalen Hurts is the established starter for that franchise. Pickett joined the Eagles and seemed to have an easy path to be the primary backup, but Tanner McKee has out-dueled him so far. McKee was drafted in the sixth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but hasn't taken a snap in a meaningful NFL game. 

Reports started emerging early in training camp that Pickett was in danger of sliding down the depth chart in Philadelphia. Through two preseason games, those reports have certainly been backed up. At this point in 2023, Pickett was being highly praised for his performances in training camp and in preseason games - now it is the complete opposite.

Pickett completed his passes at a good rate in his second preseason game of 2024, having a completion percentage of 84 percent. The bad part is that he took four sacks, and only had 67 yards passing. He finished the game with an average of just over five yards per completion, and couldn't find any rhythm when throwing down field.

The former Pittsburgh quarterback left the Steelers organization on a bad note, as he refused to participate in a battle for the starting job with Russell Wilson. Now, he is struggling to fend off a quarterback that hasn't taken a snap in a regular season game.

Former Steelers Quarterback's Career Is Already In Jeopardy

Pickett's life has changed a lot in a year. He was being praised in Pittsburgh, struggled, and now he is looking at being a third-string quarterback. Philadelphia also has Will Grier on their roster, who may even have a chance to take Pickett's roster spot. Grier has limited experience as he has only started two games in his career, but if Pickett's struggles continue, he may be looking at being cut.

The only thing that could keep Pickett on the Eagles roster at this point is the fact that Philadelphia gave up a third round pick in order to acquire him. It would be an extremely bad look if they gave up on a quarterback they invested in before the regular season comes around. Regardless of how the 2024 season goes for Pickett, he only has two years left on his rookie contract. It seems it may be a long shot for him to receive a second contract in the NFL.

What do you think of Pickett's performances with Philadelphia so far? Let us know in the comments below!

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