The Philadelphia Eagles acquired quarterback Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers late last week, and on Monday, he was officially introduced as a member of the Eagles.
Pickett was reportedly unhappy with the Steelers going out and signing Russell Wilson this offseason, which led to his trade out of Pittsburgh.
During his first media session in Philadelphia, Pickett was asked about his behavior that led to his departure from the Steelers, and he seems to have no regrets.
“I think the communication is what it is,” Pickett said, via the Eagles’ official X account. “It was behind closed doors. I’m confident in the way I handled it. I handled it the way I should’ve handled it. I’m excited to be here. It worked out so well that Philly was the place I ended up landing in.”
There had been some tension between Pickett and Pittsburgh dating back to the latter stages of the 2023 campaign, when Pickett was healthy enough to return from an ankle injury but was benched in favor of Mason Rudolph. Evidently, things came to a head once the Steelers acquired Wilson.
But Pickett seems happy with the way things turned out.
“So, I think everything happens for a reason and I’m right where I’m supposed to be,” he said.
Pickett, who played his collegiate football at the University of Pittsburgh, was selected by the Steelers with the 20th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He had a disappointing rookie campaign, throwing for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 63 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 76.7 in 13 appearances and 12 starts.
The 25-year-old wasn’t much better in his sophomore season, totaling 2,070 yards, six touchdowns and four picks while completing 62 percent of his throws and registering an 81.4 passer rating in 12 contests.
Kenny Pickett will be Jalen Hurts’ backup in Philly, but he seems content with that role for now.
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