Kenny Pickett didn’t make it through his rookie contract in Pittsburgh before he was traded across the state.
Pickett, the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, understandably wishes it played out differently.
“There’s ups and downs, like a lot of guys have around the league,” Pickett told Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders at Super Bowl Opening Night in New Orleans. “I’m grateful for all the people I’ve met (in Pittsburgh). I wish it would have ended differently, but I’m here now, and I’m really excited to be at this game.”
Pickett requested to be traded last March shortly after the Steelers signed quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract. Pittsburgh received a 2024 third-round pick (linebacker Payton Wilson) and two seventh-rounders in 2025 in the deal.
During his two-year career with the Steelers, the Pitt product went 14-10 in 24 starts and completed 62.6% of his pass attempts for 4,474 yards. He also threw 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
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Pickett served as the backup to Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts in 2024. He played five games (one start).
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