Getty Image / Sarah Stier
When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett with the 20th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, they were hoping to have drafted the successor to Ben Roethlisberger as the team’s franchise QB. The fact that Pickett had played his college ball at Pitt certainly played a factor in the Steelers making him the first quarterback off the board in a weak quarterback class.
But, the Pickett era turned out to be a disaster in terms of his on-field production. While the well-coached Steelers found ways to win games, Pickett was atrocious, throwing just 13 touchdowns in 713 attempts over two years with a passer rating under 80.
The Steelers decided to part ways with Pickett this offseason just two years after making him a first-round pick. They shipped him off to the in-state Philadelphia Eagles as the two sides exchanged draft pick compensation.
Kenny Pickett was supposed to slot into the backup quarterback job behind Jalen Hurts without much trouble. But, reports are he’s had a terrible start to training camp and the backup job may be slipping away.
Might be time to have the Tanner McKee over Kenny Pickett discussion
Would be very curious to see them both get reps with the 1st team offense just to see who does better. It might be McKee
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 4, 2024
That’s in line with what other Eagles reporters are saying on Pickett. Kenny Pickett is struggling right now, and his backup job is at risk.
Now, this is Tanner McKee’s second season in Philadelphia, and he’s more familiar with his teammates and the surroundings. But, it’s a new offensive coordinator in Philadelphia in Kellen Moore, so it’s not like McKee is in the same system as last year.
Steelers fans should feel vindicated by the news that Kenny Pickett is struggling, and it should make them feel more optimistic for this season. The problem with the offense last year could’ve simply been that Kenny Pickett is an awful NFL quarterback who was being led by a subpar offensive coordinator in Matt Canada. With Russell Wilson the presumed starter in Pittsburgh and Justin Fields filling in while Wilson battles a minor injury during camp, the quarterback room is much better than last year. Plus, former Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith should be a huge upgrade at offensive coordinator for the Steelers.
Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett is fighting for his job.