The Pittsburgh Steelers signed quarterback Russell Wilson to a minimum contract this past week. With that move, many wondered what the fate of the incumbent Kenny Pickett would be. We found out the answer today, as they sent the former Pitt product to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for draft capital. Here’s how the trade affects both teams.
For the Steelers, Their Quarterback Situation Is Clear As Day
With the addition of Wilson, there was a possibility a quarterback competition would take place between him and Pickett. But, with the trade complete, Wilson is now the clear starter heading into 2024.
The former Seattle Seahawk and Denver Bronco had a better year last year compared to 2022. He threw 26 touchdowns to just eight interceptions in 2023. However, the yardage total of 3,070 put him in the bottom half of the year.
At 35 years old, many wonder how long he has left in the tank. If he can repeat his statistical season last season (with more yards of course and wins), then no one will even think about missing Pickett.
As of right now, there is no backup quarterback slated behind Wilson on the depth chart. It’s important for them to have a quality second-string signal caller, as we don’t know how durable Wilson will be this upcoming season.
Can confirm @gerrydulac's reporting that Kenny Pickett's handling of the Russell Wilson signing was a factor in the @Steelers' decision. He communicated to the team he was fine with competing for the job, then went the other way when Wilson was added. So he's gone.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 15, 2024
Philadelphia also received a fourth-round pick (120th overall) in this year’s draft.
For Philadelphia, They Have A Quality Backup
This reminds me of the Desmond Ridder situation, where a young quarterback is traded to a team who already has a franchise guy.
Something drastic has to happen in order for Kenny Pickett to earn the starting job over Jalen Hurts. Hurts didn’t have the best season in 2023, throwing a career high 15 interceptions. He never reached double-digit interceptions in his first three seasons in the NFL.
However, Hurts looks to bounce back with the addition of RB Saquon Barkley and WR Devante Parker to go along with his two star wideouts in A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith.
Marcus Mariota, who was the backup for Philadelphia last year, departed for Washington to join the Commanders. Without the addition of Pickett, the backup behind Hurts would have been Tanner McKee.
For a third-round pick (98th overall) in this year’s draft along with two seventh-round picks in 2025, they now have a young quarterback who, over time, could serve as a dependable backup for years to come. Unless, that is, he leaves for somewhere else in the future.
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Featured Image: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
