Kenny Pickett’s time with the Pittsburgh Steelers was a rocky one and eventually led to his cross-state trade to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The former Steelers quarterback took two days to pen his farewell letter, and even then, he failed to mention the team that selected him at No. 20 overall in the 2022 NFL draft.
Pickett posted to Instagram this afternoon:
“Thank you, Pittsburgh! I came to this city 7 years ago and my life changed forever. Grateful for all of the amazing people I was fortunate enough to cross paths with, and for all of those who supported me along the way. I made life-long friendships and relationships that I will always cherish. Now, I am honored and excited for the next opportunity in my career – being able to play for the team that helped me find my love for the game as a kid. Go Birds!!”
It was a drama-filled season in what would be Pickett’s last in the black and gold. Ultimately, what did him in was Pittsburgh’s decision to sign free agent quarterback Russell Wilson and perhaps even the process they were in to trade for Justin Fields.
Pickett wasn’t about to slide from QB1 to 3 behind Wilson and Fields and demanded a trade, which the Steelers acquiesced.
The third-year quarterback now gets to fulfill a dream of being on the roster of the team he grew up cheering for. Barring injury to Jalen Hurts, though, preseason will be the only time he takes the field.
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