Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – After being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Kenny Pickett shared a heartfelt farewell message to the city of Pittsburgh on Instagram. In his message, Pickett expressed his gratitude for the seven years he spent in Pittsburgh, reflecting on the impact the city had on his life and his football career.
While Pickett did not mention the Steelers in his farewell post, he expressed excitement for the next chapter in his career with the Eagles. The New Jersey native played college football at the University of Pittsburgh before being selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. During his time with the Steelers, Pickett appeared in 25 games and threw for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
The decision to trade Pickett to the Eagles came shortly after the Steelers signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal. Reports indicated that Pickett’s apparent unhappiness with Wilson’s arrival played a role in the trade. At his introductory press conference with the Eagles, Pickett addressed the situation, noting that he handled it behind closed doors and was excited for the opportunity to play in Philadelphia as Jalen Hurts’ backup.
In a series of moves over the weekend, the Steelers acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is expected to serve as Wilson’s understudy. The flurry of quarterback transactions underscores the competitive nature of the NFL and the constant evolution of rosters in the league.
As Pickett embarks on this new chapter with the Eagles, he leaves behind a legacy in Pittsburgh that will be remembered by fans and teammates alike. The quarterback’s journey from college standout to NFL player serves as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the ever-changing landscape of professional football.