The Pittsburgh Steelers entered a transitional phase after the retirement of future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger following the 2021 season.
Their quest for a new franchise quarterback led them to select Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, a move that generated excitement due to his pedigree and hometown connection. However, Pickett’s early career has not unfolded as expected, and as we approach 2024, ESPN’s confidence in the Steelers’ quarterback situation is at an all-time low.
Ben Roethlisberger had an illustrious career with the Steelers, spanning nearly two decades. He not only set a high standard for quarterback performance but also brought the team considerable success.
Under Roethlisberger’s leadership, the Steelers made it to three Super Bowls, emerging victorious in two of them, setting an exceptionally high benchmark for future quarterbacks.
Roethlisberger wasted no time showcasing his talents, leading the Steelers to the AFC Championship in his rookie season in 2004.
In stark contrast, Kenny Pickett, entering his third professional year, has yet to display the same level of leadership and skill. Bill Barnwell, an ESPN staff writer, has placed Pickett and the Steelers among the least favorable quarterback situations in the NFL for the 2024 season and beyond. Unfortunately, the success glimpsed by the Steelers towards the end of the previous season cannot be attributed to Pickett.
“The only problem is those signs of life came with longtime backup Mason Rudolph in the fold after a disappointing season from Kenny Pickett, who entered the regular season with breakout hype, only to post the league’s No. 27 QBR before suffering an ankle injury. He reportedly was healthy by the end of the season, but Tomlin decided against going back to the 2022 first-rounder down the stretch.”
For those who watched the Steelers’ final four games in the 2023 season, including their Wild Card matchup, a significant improvement was evident compared to the struggles witnessed earlier in the year.
The first 14 weeks were marked by consistent challenges as the Steelers struggled to resemble a competitive football team.
While Pickett may still be considered the starting quarterback at the outset of the 2024 season, his position is precarious, and it is likely to change before the Steelers engage in meaningful games in 2024.
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