Eagles Acquire Kenny Pickett from Steelers in Draft Pick Swap
ICARO Media Group
The trade marks a departure from the Eagles' strategy of continually adding quarterbacks to their roster, as they look to develop Pickett into a potential asset for their team.
Pickett's time in Pittsburgh came to an ignominious end, with doubts raised about his suitability as an NFL-caliber quarterback. As one of the many quarterbacks who failed to make it past their second season with the team that drafted them, Pickett joins a list of names that includes Brandon Weeden, Johnny Manziel, Paxton Lynch, Josh Rosen, Dwayne Haskins, and Trey Lance.
While Pickett showed promise in some preseason passes, his overall performance fell short of expectations. With a low-average of 6.3 yards per attempt and a 46.5 QBR ranking, it became clear that Pickett was not the franchise quarterback the Steelers were hoping for. It didn't help that the offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, faced criticism for his scheme and play-calling, leading to a lack of offensive production.
The Steelers made a decisive move by signing quarterback Russell Wilson, causing further frustration for Pickett. The locker room lost faith in him as he struggled to make an impact, with only 13 touchdown passes in 25 starts. Furthermore, Pickett holds the dubious record for the lowest touchdown percentage in NFL history among quarterbacks with at least 500 pass attempts.
The Eagles, known for their quarterback development approach, saw potential in Pickett and viewed the trade as an opportunity to tap into his untapped skills. Over the years, the team has continuously added quarterbacks to their roster, and this trade aligns with their strategy of building a strong quarterback depth chart.
The Steelers' decision to part ways with Pickett marks a departure from their usual patient approach. They admitted their mistake in drafting him and made a bold move by acquiring Russell Wilson. This shift in strategy leaves the Steelers with uncertainties regarding their quarterback position, as they now have only one quarterback under contract.
It remains to be seen how Pickett will fare with the Eagles' support system, as they look to bridge the gap between his previous performance and a competent backup level. The Eagles' decision to trade for Pickett raises questions about their handling of the backup quarterback position and whether there were better options available.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Kenny Pickett as he dons the green and white of the Philadelphia Eagles. Will this trade be a turning point in his career, or will it be seen as just another move in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL quarterback carousel? Only time will reveal the true significance of this trade for both the Eagles and Pickett himself.