One of the biggest storylines of this year’s NFL offseason has been the quarterback carousel. With big names like Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson potentially on the move, it was easy for some smaller moves to go under the radar. But for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, one trade stood out – the trade of Kenny Pickett.
Pickett, a former first-round pick, was traded to the Eagles from the Steelers in a move that may not have made many headlines, but could have a big impact on both teams. The young quarterback, who had expressed his desire to not be in a quarterback battle with Russell Wilson, now finds himself in a new city with a new team – the Eagles.
Pickett’s trade to the Eagles may have come as a surprise to some, but for the quarterback himself, it was a welcome change. In an interview with The Cold Wire, Pickett got honest about his feelings about being in Philadelphia.
“I’m really excited about this new opportunity with the Eagles,” Pickett said. “I have a lot of respect for Jalen Hurts and I’m looking forward to learning from him and pushing each other to be better.”
Pickett’s honesty and positive attitude is a sign of his maturity and professionalism. Despite being traded and potentially facing a backup role, he remains focused on making the most of his new situation. He knows that being in Philadelphia brings a wealth of opportunities for growth and development.
The Eagles, who have been in need of a reliable backup quarterback, made a smart move in acquiring Pickett. The young quarterback has shown promise in his college career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he finished as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. With his strong arm and impressive accuracy, Pickett has all the tools to succeed in the NFL.
But Pickett is not just a talented quarterback, he is also a leader. His leadership qualities were evident during his time at Pitt, where he was named team captain and was a two-time ACC All-Academic team member. His ability to connect with his teammates and inspire them is something that will be valuable for the Eagles.
The trade to the Eagles also puts Pickett in a great position to learn from one of the best in the game – Jalen Hurts. Hurts, who was named a Pro Bowl starter last season, has been on the rise since his days at Alabama. His dual-threat abilities and strong work ethic have made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
Pickett recognizes the value of learning from Hurts and is eager to soak up all the knowledge he can. “Jalen is a great quarterback and a great person,” Pickett said. “I’m looking forward to learning from him and taking my game to the next level.”
While some may see Pickett’s trade as a demotion, the quarterback is viewing it as an opportunity to grow and improve. He knows that the NFL is a league where anything can happen and injuries are a common occurrence. He is preparing himself for the possibility of stepping into the starting role at any moment and is ready to make the most of it.
As for the Steelers, they also benefit from this trade. With the addition of Russell Wilson, they have solidified their starting quarterback position and can now focus on grooming their young quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, as the backup. This move allows Pickett to continue developing without the added pressure of being a starter right away.
The trade of Kenny Pickett to the Eagles may not have been the biggest move of the NFL offseason, but it is one that could have a big impact on both teams. Pickett’s positive attitude and determination to make the most of his new opportunity in Philadelphia are signs that he is ready to succeed in the NFL. The Eagles have gained a talented and driven quarterback, and Pickett has found a new home where he can continue to grow and thrive.
