When Howie Roseman acquired Kenny Pickett, the initial idea was that he’d add value as a potential trade piece in April’s NFL draft. More importantly, he’d give Philadelphia an experienced and viable option in case Jalen Hurts had to miss time.
Fast forward nine months later, and Pickett can help the Eagles secure the NFC East and the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with a win over the Dallas Cowboys with Hurts ruled out due to a concussion suffered in the 36-33 loss to the Commanders in Week 16.
Now official: Eagles ruled out QB Jalen Hurts for Sunday’s game vs. Dallas due to his concussion. Eagles QB Kenny Pickett now will replace Hurts. pic.twitter.com/I4RcuVzzZo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2024
Against the Commanders, Pickett completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but he struggled to push the football downfield.
Pickett was the Steelers’ first-round pick in 2022, but things soured last season, and Pickett was traded to Philadelphia in the offseason to be the primary backup to Jalen Hurts.
During the summer, Pickett had tried to be efficient through two preseason games, but his penchant for taking the check-downs while not pushing the ball down the field left some fans clamoring for Tanner McKee as QB2.
Pickett went 14-10 in 24 starts for the Steelers. In those 24 games, Pickett was 446 of 713 passing (62.6%) for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
He suffered an ankle injury in December and never returned to the field as Mason Rudolph took over starting duties.
Pickett graduated from Ocean Township (N.J.) High School and backed out of a verbal commitment to Temple before heading to Western Pennsylvania. Now, he’s home and can secure the division against a hated rival in front of family and friends.
