Steelers Get Mocked For Trusting Russell Wilson: "Should’ve Kept Kenny Pickett, Who Also Stinks"

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected local standout Kenny Pickett from Pitt in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping he would become the next great franchise quarterback. However, after two seasons, Pickett is no longer with the team. The Steelers brought in Russell Wilson this offseason in hopes of motivating Pickett, but instead, Pickett requested a trade, unhappy with the competition.

The Steelers subsequently traded Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. They then turned around to trade for Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, generating excitement in the Steel City over what many hoped would be an upgrade at quarterback. The battle between Wilson and Fields has been a major focus throughout the offseason.

Following a disappointing preseason performance against the Buffalo Bills, where both Wilson and Fields played the entire game and managed only three points, concerns about the Steelers' quarterback situation have resurfaced. The team’s quarterback dilemma is now being compared to, or even seen as worse than, last season's issues. 

On an episode of FOX Sports Radio's The Odd Couple, Ben Maller and Rob Parker debated the Steelers' quarterback situation. Parker argued that Wilson deserves the starting role, citing his strong 2023 season with 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. Maller, however, felt the Steelers made a mistake by moving on from Pickett. However, his argument made no sense.

"[The Steelers are] gonna be the same as they have been," Maller said. "It's not gonna be any better with Russell Wilson. They should've kept Kenny Pickett, who also stinks. Pickett's terrible."

Maller's argument didn’t quite hold up. He contended that the Steelers should have kept Pickett, but then criticized him for his performance. While Pickett did show some flashes over his two seasons, it's challenging to fully assess his shortcomings, given he played in a historically poor offensive system under Matt Canada. Ultimately, the Steelers lost faith in Pickett and decided he wasn't the future of the franchise.

During his tenure, Pickett led the Steelers to a 14-10 record as a starter, throwing 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He demonstrated the ability to perform in clutch situations and drive the offense to win games. Yet, he also exhibited several red flags that frustrated fans, leading to a divided opinion among the fan base. The offense didn't move with Pickett at the helm and that's not really up for debate. Some believed he wasn’t the problem, while others argued that the offensive struggles were due to Canada's limited resources.

In 2023, the Steelers' three quarterbacks combined for just 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions, making it a dismal year offensively, particularly at the quarterback position. Pickett had been showing promise before an injury against the Arizona Cardinals derailed his progress. Had that injury not occurred, Pickett might still be with the Steelers, ready to start the 2024 season.

After his untimely injury, Pickett never played another game for the Steelers. Reports surfaced that he refused to back up Mason Rudolph, adding to the controversy surrounding his departure. Some insiders suggest that Steelers fans may not fully understand the challenges Pickett faced during his time in Pittsburgh.

Steelers Appear Hopeful Justin Fields Can Be The Future

The decision to move on from Pickett has been less than ideal, highlighting what many see as a wasted draft pick. The Steelers now face the challenge of finding the future of their franchise. With Wilson, now 35, questions remain about how much he has left in the tank. Fields, at 25, has the potential to be the future, but comes with his own set of concerns.

As the 2024 season approaches, the performance of the Steelers' quarterbacks will be a key topic of discussion. Wilson is the heavy favorite to start, but Fields has a chance to claim the role. Both quarterbacks will be eager to prove themselves and make a significant impact in Pittsburgh.

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